On Monday, the Ministry of National Defense announced that Poland has revealed the details of its “East Shield” program. This initiative is designed to enhance the security of its eastern border and is considered the most significant border defense effort undertaken by the country since 1945.
“This is a strategic operation for our government and the security of Poland,” Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the significance of the Polish security operation during a press conference held together with Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk and Chief of Staff of the Polish Armed Forces Wieslaw Kukula.
The defense minister outlined the program, encompassing fortifications, diverse barriers, and state-of-the-art airspace surveillance systems across all tiers. He emphasized that the initiative aims to impede the advancement of enemy forces, streamline the mobility of Polish troops, and safeguard civilians.
Deputy Defense Minister Tomczyk said Poland’s border extends approximately 700 km, with 400 km bordering Belarus. “We want this program to be implemented immediately, and completed by 2028, the estimated cost is approximately 10 billion zloty (2.55 billion U.S. dollars).”
At the press conference, the officials indicated that the “East Shield” project will be funded by Poland’s state budget but the country also seeks to apply for additional support from the European Union.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the need for increased EU investment in security. “The EU must invest much more in security,” he said.