Polish Border Fortifications Under Testing: "Eastern Shield"

Lieutenant General Stanisław Czosnek, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, emphasized that what was observed was just the first step in deterrence and defense. The barriers created by Polish engineers were shown to be effective. We are only talking about land-based barriers. Any potential foreign military movement will be stopped. Our army will cooperate with the government to ensure the best protection of our country’s borders. War is too serious a matter to leave solely to the military.”

Despite the “tactical weather,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk attended and thanked the soldiers for their dedication. “All those who take on the defense of our homeland deserve the highest respect. We emphasize how important your work is to the entire government and the nation.” , Tusk said.

The National Deterrence and Defense Program, ‘Eastern Shield’, is vital to enhancing Poland’s security amidst ongoing threats from the East. The war in Ukraine and the migration pressure on the Polish-Belarusian border are challenges Poland faces today. The Eastern Shield aims to protect Poland in case of further deterioration of the situation. The project’s cost is over 10 billion złotych. Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked, “Deterring adversaries so that there will be no war here, this is the purpose of these installations and the billions spent. Poland’s safety is paramount.” In closing his press conference, the Prime Minister stated: “I’m glad that, to put it simply, the defenders won!” »

Eastern Shield is a priority, began Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in his summary of the exercises. He emphasized, “Eastern Shield is a priority for our coalition. This is our land, our homeland, and we will defend every inch of the Republic. Today we are testing fortifications. We do not want to repeat the mistakes of our predecessors. This is a multi-phase operation, and we are investing 10 billion złotych. These fortifications and actions are designed to stop and deter the enemy. The Eastern Shield exists so that no one will ever think of attacking our country!”

General Marek Sokołowski, Commander of the Armed Forces, along with his Deputy, Major General Sławomir Owczarek, observed the dynamic training of soldiers from the 15th Mechanized Brigade and the 2nd Engineering Regiment. The exercise involved defending a section of the border against an attempted breach by the enemy.

The Eastern Shield is not just about physical fortifications and the soldiers manning them. It will also include drones, counter-UAS systems, and the most advanced surveillance and radar systems. According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, the first warehouses and fortifications are expected to be completed by 2024.

The Eastern Shield program is an inter-ministerial initiative aimed at securing Poland’s eastern border, and by extension, NATO’s eastern flank. It involves the construction of fortifications and the creation of natural barriers such as forests, swamps, and water reservoirs.

The Eastern Shield program, scheduled to be fully implemented by 2028, is an inter-ministerial initiative aimed at securing Poland’s eastern border, which also serves as NATO’s eastern flank. Ministries of National Defense, Internal Affairs, State Assets, and Infrastructure are involved in this coordinated effort.

Currently, elements of the Eastern Shield are being tested at the “Zapora” training and research facility in Orzysz. Soldiers and equipment from the 16th Mechanized Division and the 2nd Engineering Regiment from Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki are conducting practical border defense tests. These involve the use of fortification and engineering elements (including minefields, concrete barriers, permanent barriers, etc.) to defend a section of the border against an enemy attempting to breach it. The key functions of the Orzysz center include training engineering units, testing technical solutions, collaborating with civilian companies, and developing engineering technologies.