Poland tests fortifications to strengthen the border

16 October, 2024 Overcoming an anti-tank ditch by PT-91 tanks. Photo credits: Polska Zbrojna 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 Wladyslaw 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 Wschod) program. They aim to create the necessary infrastructure to prevent enemy troops from entering the country.

Deployment of a mechanized bridge at a training ground near Orzysz.

Photo credits: Polska Zbrojna

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.

Concrete walkways during tests in the Polish military. Photo credits: X/Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz

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.

A PT-91 tank at a training ground near Orzysz.

Photo credits: Facebook/WCR Krakow

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.