Poland outlined the details of the “Eastern Shield” program worth 10 billion zlotys ($2.55 billion) aimed at strengthening the defense of its eastern border with Belarus and Russia.
Warsaw said it hopes to implement these plans by 2028, Reuters reports.
The Polish Ministry of Defense presented details of the program, including plans to build fortifications, hubs and telecommunications systems in coordination with other countries on NATO's eastern flank: Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
"It will one comprehensive system of defensive and deterrent actions. It integrates access systems, but we will also purchase and implement advanced counter-drone and reconnaissance systems,"– said Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysh.
"This is the largest operation to strengthen Poland's eastern border, NATO's eastern flank, since 1945,", – he said at a press conference.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said that investments will begin in the first quarter of 2025. For some projects Poland hopes to use EU funds.
Prepared by: Sergei Daga