Information
Poland has announced the Shield-East program, a comprehensive plan aimed at bolstering anti-drone surveillance and constructing fortifications along its 700-kilometer border with the Russian exclave Kaliningrad and Belarus. Scheduled for completion in 2028, this initiative is intended to safeguard Poland against hostile actions from across the border, including the illegal pushing of migrants into the country. The plan reflects rising concerns among former Eastern Bloc nations about Russian aggression, particularly following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
The Shield-East project, with an estimated cost of 10 billion zloty (€2.35 billion, $2.55 billion), will include fortifications, hubs, and telecommunication systems in collaboration with eastern NATO allies such as Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the system aims to protect Polish territory, hinder enemy troop mobility while facilitating Polish troop movements, and safeguard civilians. It will integrate advanced anti-drone and reconnaissance technologies. While this project is distinct from the existing border wall with Belarus, Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government plans to strengthen the wall constructed by the previous administration to counter the orchestrated influx of migrants by Minsk.
Source: AP, Reuters
So what
While ambitious this would be a good way to improve the security of the bordering nations. Though it is unlikely to stop all intrusions it will certainly limit the ability of Belarus and Russia to probe Europe and push migrants across the border. It is also possible that these technological improvements could provide Poland and other host countries with the ability to look deep into hostile territory giving them advance warning of movements and troop build-ups.
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