The PLN 10 billion (EUR 2.35 billion, USD 2.55 billion) project, dubbed "Shield East," is expected to be completed by 2028, officials said.
Planned efforts include the construction of fortifications, telecommunications systems and military infrastructure in partnership with NATO allies such as Finland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
"This makes up one complex defence and deterrence system," Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a news conference on Monday.
"It connects access systems, but we will also buy and develop modern anti-drone and reconnaissance systems," he added.
He described the Shield East initiative as "the largest operation to strengthen Poland's eastern border and NATO's eastern flank since 1945."
Major defence initiative
Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters that the Shield East programme would help enhance Poland's defence capabilities by fortifying its eastern border and bolstering national security.
Scheduled for completion over the next few years, the initiative will focus on advanced aerial monitoring systems, fortifications, and a range of barriers, reporters were told.
In addition to the defense ministry and the Ministry of State Assets, the project will involve the ministries of climate and environment, infrastructure and development, as well as other entities and local government agencies, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The programme represents Poland's most significant security endeavour since World War II, aligning with NATO’s objectives to secure its eastern flank, underscoring Poland's commitment to both national and continental security, according to officials.
Shield East is designed to integrate local communities and economies along the borders with Russia and Belarus, regions previously vibrant with cross-border trade but now prioritising security.
The plan includes constructing military-grade infrastructures such as reconnaissance systems as part of the Barbara programme—comprising four aerostats costing around USD 1 billion—and a satellite component, enhancing both military and civil protection.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasised the unifying potential of the programme, expressing hope for cross-party and societal support against common threats.
The initiative also includes a legislative proposal focusing on investment projects critical to national security, indicating a broader governmental strategy aimed at comprehensive national resilience.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also pointed out the increasing pressure of migrants on the Polish border, being used by Belarus for political pressure against Poland and the broader EU.
He reaffirmed previous announcements that the barrier on the Polish-Belarusian border would be strengthened.
"This effort is separate from Shield East, which is intended to be a military endeavour, but the two are meant to complement each other," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara
Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk said the project would kick off in the first quarter of next year and be financed with a mix of national and EU funds.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said last Wednesday that the strategic defence plan was part of a broader effort to bolster Poland’s military readiness amid rising border security challenges, including a significant increase in illegal border crossings.
Poland's border with Russia's Kaliningrad region is just over 200 kilometres long, while the border with Belarus runs to more than 400 kilometres, state news agency PAP has reported.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters