Poland is simultaneously modernizing its armed forces and strengthening the country’s northeastern border. At the center of these processes is the delivery of new infantry fighting vehicles «Borsuk» and the implementation of the «Eastern Shield» program, a large-scale project aimed at enhancing border infrastructure. By the end of the year, it is planned to strengthen over 260 km of the border, with a prospect of up to 700 km.
The «Eastern Shield» project includes not only engineering barriers but also a modern surveillance system: radars, sensors, and round-the-clock monitoring. Special attention is given to protection against drones — technologies for acoustic reconnaissance and electronic warfare have already been tested and will become part of a multi-layered defense system.
More than 700 proposals from companies, universities, and startups have been submitted for the development of solutions for the project. The best technologies, including drones and ground systems, are planned to be implemented in the armed forces.
The project involves not only military but also civilian agencies, including the ministries of agriculture and the environment. According to the authorities, the work is mainly being carried out on state lands and does not affect private property.
In the near future, the BMP «Borsuk,» developed by Polish engineers and produced at PGZ facilities, will be put into service with the 16th Pomeranian Mechanized Division named after King Casimir the Jagiellonian — one of the key units responsible for the defense of the northeastern part of the country.
This division will be the first to receive the equipment. The 16th Pomeranian Division is responsible for the defense of the border with the Russian Kaliningrad Oblast. Units are already receiving modern weapons, including K2 Black Panther tanks, K9 howitzers, air defense systems, and drones. In the event of a crisis situation, they will be the ones to cover this strategic direction.
Both the delivery of new BMPs and the strengthening of the border are part of a single strategy — enhancing the defense of the northeastern direction and strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.
