Poland tests fortifications to strengthen the border

At a training ground near Orzysz, the Polish army tested fortifications and engineering elements designed to strengthen the Polish border and NATO’s eastern flank.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced this on his page on X.

“We must deter, and in the event of an attack, repel the enemy,” he wrote.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk attended the practical demonstrations.

“I am glad that the Shield of the East is starting so seriously,” he was quoted as saying in Polska Zbrojna.

The work on the Polish section of the border is part of the Shield of the East (Tarcza Wschód) program. They aim to create the necessary infrastructure to prevent enemy troops from entering the country.

Money will be raised from various sources to implement the project worth at least PLN 10 billion, which is due to be completed in 2024-2028.

The engineering obstacles to be used include anti-tank ditches, minefields, reinforced concrete tetrapods, barbed wire, etc.

“All these exercises, installations, barriers, drones, billions we will spend here are aimed at preventing a potential enemy from entering. Let’s treat this as an investment in peace and security, not an exercise,” the Head of the Polish government emphasized.

The Prime Minister of Poland also noted that the Eastern Shield is not only a Polish project. The Baltic States and Finland are also taking similar measures. He added that the funds allocated for implementing this project will come not only from the Polish budget but also from the European budget.

Fortifications will be erected not only along the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region, which borders Poland and Belarus, but also on the border with Ukraine.

For these purposes, Poland will purchase over $152 million worth of heavy engineering equipment to construct barriers on the border.