Poland has announced a new program called “East Shield” to strengthen its defenses along the eastern border with Belarus and Russia. This plan will cost 10 billion zloty ($2.55 billion) and is expected to be completed by 2028.
The eastern border of Poland has become a trouble spot since 2021 when migrants started arriving there. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, opened travel agencies in the Middle East. These agencies offered a new, unofficial route for people to enter Europe, leading to a crisis. The European Union believes this move was intended to create problems.
Poland’s defense ministry has shared more details about the East Shield program. The plan includes building fortifications, hubs, and telecommunication systems. This will be done in coordination with other NATO allies on the eastern front, such as Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Statements from Officials
Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz explained that this system will be a comprehensive setup of defensive and deterrent measures. It will include modern anti-drone and reconnaissance systems. He emphasized that this is the largest operation to strengthen Poland’s eastern border and NATO’s eastern flank since 1945.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk added that the investments for this program will begin in the first quarter of 2025. The whole project is expected to be finished by 2028. Poland also hopes to get some funding from the European Union for these projects.
Poland’s previous government already built a fence along the Polish-Belarusian border. This fence is over 180 kilometers (112 miles) long and 5.5 meters (18 feet) high. It was constructed to prevent illegal migration and is equipped with a system of cameras and sensors to monitor the border.
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Current Relations with Russia
Relations between Poland and Russia have worsened significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In response to the increased threat, Poland has been increasing its defense spending.
The East Shield program is Poland’s major step to enhance its security and protect its borders. By working with its NATO allies, Poland aims to build a robust defense system to handle the challenges posed by its eastern neighbors.
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