Poland Expands Military Fortifications Along Eastern Border
Col. Marek Pietrzak of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces told reporters that the East Shield program will expand rapidly in 2026, with more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) of the border expected to be secured by year-end, accounting for nearly 38% of the total frontier.
“Last year, engineering work was carried out to secure a total of 60 kilometers of the border,” Pietrzak said, noting that the measures included linear fortifications, border-blocking infrastructure, and preparations to seal key road and rail crossings. Five crossings were fully closed in 2025, with 12 more readied for rapid closure.
The 2026 expansion will see roughly 30 kilometers of new permanent linear defenses built, while an additional 180 kilometers will be protected using rapidly deployable engineering equipment stored in material depots for emergency border lockdowns. By the close of 2025, nearly 260 kilometers of the frontier are expected to be fortified.
The initiative also entails significant land acquisition. In 2025, authorities secured 38 properties, with plans to purchase 150 more plots in 52 locations this year, primarily within 15 kilometers of the border. Further acquisitions from state agricultural holdings are anticipated to expand logistics and storage capacities.
Alongside physical barriers, Poland is investing in advanced surveillance and strike capabilities, including anti-aircraft and counter-drone systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, mine-laying platforms, and reconnaissance assets. Procurement is managed by the Armaments Agency, with systems such as FlyEye drones, GLADIUS unmanned strike platforms, and BAOBAB mine-laying vehicles already under contract.
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