Bumar-Łabędy in Gliwice and the Ukrainian company Ukrobronprom have launched a technology center dedicated to repairing Ukrainian T-64 tanks, a move announced by the Polish Armaments Group, the owner of the Gliwice facility, on a recent Friday.
Over time, the Gliwice plants will be responsible for maintaining and modernizing the PT-91 and T-72 tanks that Poland has transferred to Ukraine.
At Zakłady Mechaniczne Bumar-Łabędy SA, work has begun on fulfilling the contract to repair T-64 tanks. The agreement was signed between Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and the Ukrainian concern Ukrobronprom, according to PGZ.
Ukrainian T-64s will be kept in good order, repaired, and returned to full operational capability in Gliwice. The accord also envisions collaboration in assembly, production, and the development of a supply chain for T-64 vehicles along with other elements of the technological process.
In the long run, cooperation is planned for the upkeep of T-72 and PT-91 tanks that have been transferred from Poland to Ukraine. PGZ also stated that joint work is under consideration for servicing Leopard 2 family tanks sent to Ukraine by an international coalition.
More than 70 years of experience
The Group notes that selecting Bumar-Łabędy as a partner for this contract reflects the Gliwice company’s extensive expertise in maintaining and modernizing T-family tanks, including the T-72 and PT-91. The modernization program for Leopard 2A4 tanks to the 2PL standard for Poland’s armed forces, the group adds, has provided the knowledge, facilities, and experience needed to operate Leopards effectively.
Gliwice Zakłady Mechaniczne is positioned to establish a hub for repairs of armored equipment used by Ukraine’s military, according to statements in PGZ communications.
Edyta Szymańska, president of ZM Bumar-Łabędy, affirmed this readiness, highlighting the facility’s long-standing capability in manufacturing, inspection, repair, retrofitting, and modernization of armored systems. Her remarks emphasized that equipment delivered to Bumar-Łabędy can be restored to the required level of combat readiness.
Gratitude from Ukraine
Ukraine’s side expressed appreciation for Polish partnerships that boost armored capabilities for Kyiv’s forces. Such international collaborations are seen as integrating Ukraine into manufacturing chains involving NATO member states, according to Yuri Husiev, director general of Ukroboronprom.
The cooperation on T-64 service follows other Polish-Ukrainian initiatives tied to armored equipment. During Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Poland, agreements were signed covering cooperation in producing 125 mm tank ammunition and a letter of intent regarding the sale of Rosomak wheeled armored personnel carriers to Ukraine.
Additional coverage has highlighted Poland’s readiness to supply training and modern equipment for the Polish army alongside these joint efforts.
Source notes: wPolityce