Poland will purchase engineering equipment to strengthen the border for more than $150 million

11 October, 2024 Fence on the border between Poland and Belarus. Photo from open sources Poland will purchase heavy engineering equipment for the construction of barriers on the border with Belarus and Russia as part of the Eastern Shield program.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk stated this, PAP reports. The total value of the contracts is about PLN 600 million, which exceeds £152 million. Tomczyk added that the need for further investment in engineering equipment was related to the continued protection of Poland's borders, as well as the recent flooding in the country.

And he announced the purchase of new equipment worth PLN 500-600 million to strengthen the capabilities of the troops.

Poland completes construction of a fence on the border with Belarus, September, 2022. Photo credits: Stanis?aw ?aryn

The new equipment should strengthen the capabilities of sappers and those units that will prepare and build engineering barriers on the Polish-Belarusian border, Polish-Russian or Polish-Ukrainian border," Tomczyk said. In September, Polish Armed Forces and Territorial Defense were involved in search and rescue operations and minimizing the effects of flooding in the south of the country.

Soviet-era PTS-M amphibious tracked transporters were used to work in the flooded areas. However, these vehicles are outdated and worn out, so they need to be replaced with new equipment as soon as possible.

A Polish PTS-M. Photo credits: st. chor. szt. mar.

Arkadiusz Dwulatek/Combat Camera DORSZ

The population was also evacuated by helicopters from the flooded areas that were inaccessible by land. Previously, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that the government was investing PLN 10 billion (£2.55 billion) to strengthen the border with Russia and Belarus. The Eastern Shield project involves the construction of a network of fortifications and barriers.

The work is to start by the end of this year.

The construction is scheduled to be completed in 2028.