Poland will build a USD 2 billion anti-drone defense system along its eastern border, aiming for full operational readiness within two years, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said in comments to The Guardian.
The Terrahawk Paladin is a British-made, modular, short-range air defense and counter-drone platform developed by MSI Defence Systems.Photo: MSI
The system—part of a broader security upgrade near the borders with Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave—will include jamming technologies, machine guns, artillery, and missiles. While full deployment is expected within 24 months, Tomczyk said initial capabilities could be in place within six months.
„Some of the weapons will only be used in the event of armed conflict due to potential risk to civilians,” Tomczyk said.
The project will be largely funded by the European Union under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) defense loan program, with additional support from the national budget.
Poland is also building logistics hubs in every border municipality to store equipment for rapid border-blocking operations. The new initiative complements the ongoing „East Shield” fortification effort to deter future Russian aggression.
“Until Ukraine defends itself, there’s no conventional war in Europe,” Tomczyk said. “But we must expect provocations and sabotage.”
He warned that a Russian victory over Ukraine could lead the Kremlin to turn against Europe.
Poland currently spends 4.7% of its GDP on defense—one of the highest rates in the EU. “Anyone debating whether to increase spending from 2% to 3% or 3.5% should ask whether they’d prefer that—or having to raise it to 40% later,” Tomczyk said, referencing Ukraine’s wartime expenditures.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio
