Poland constructs massive defense system, costing billions
The largest border security operation since 1945 is about to happen: Poland intends to fortify its frontiers against potential threats from Russia and Belarus. Staunching a multibillion-euro project, the NATO member aims to bolster its eastern flank.
Poland is set to reinforce its eastern border and safeguard it from potential attacks through a billion-dollar initiative, dubbed "Shield East." Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced this plan in Warsaw, stressing that it's the most significant effort to secure the Polish eastern border and the eastward extension of NATO since World War II. What's in store? "Fortifications, various barriers, as well as immensely advanced air defense systems at each elevation and lengthwise measurement," along the border, which doubles as the EU's external frontier.
The program foresees around 2.3 billion euros in investments. Completion of 700 kilometers of border stretches is targeted for 2028. Security is the primary objective; however, preparing to protect the border is equally crucial, stated General Staff Chief Wieslaw Kukula. It's about increasing security measures, making enemy troop mobility challenging, and improving the flexibility of Polish military forces. Even soldiers and civilian populations should have a better time in case of strikes.
The EU and NATO member Poland shares a border with Russia to the east, which has invaded Ukraine. But it also borders authoritarian Belarus, an ally of Moscow. Notably, it shares borders with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad in the north-east. With the Ukraine conflict ongoing, speculations of a probable invasion by Russia against Poland have heightened. Given Poland's backing for Ukraine, Warsaw finds itself classified as an adversary by the Russian government.
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In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and perceived threats from Russia and its ally Belarus, Poland's defense minister announced a billion-dollar project called "Shield East" to reinforce its eastern border. Given Poland's membership in NATO, this initiative aims to bolster the alliance's eastern flank, potentially discouraging any potential attacks by these countries.
Source: www.ntv.de
