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East Front News is a weekly newsletter summarizing the past week’s most important events concerning security and the situation in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes original opinions and comments, along with key news items significant from a Polish perspective. If you would like to receive this newsletter, please sign up by clicking HERE .
Polish soldiers use rubber bullets to defend against migrants
The soldiers of the Podlasie Task Force used smoothbore firearms to repel an attempt by migrants to cross the Polish‑Belarusian border. One of the migrants was injured.
On 22 July 2025, in the evening hours near the Border Guard post in Narewka, an incident occurred during an attempt to illegally cross the state border from Belarus. While detaining a group of migrants who had breached Polish territory, the soldiers of the Podlasie Task Force were compelled, following established procedures, to employ direct coercive measures, including smoothbore firearms.
According to the official statement of the Podlasie Task Force, these actions were in response to the migrants« aggressive behavior and their refusal to comply with orders. It was emphasized that the safety of the officers and the integrity of the border were the top priorities. Five detained foreign nationals were then handed over to the Border Guard for further proceedings.
Author: Bartłomiej Wypartowicz
Training on the F-35 Continues. More Polish Pilots Ready for Duty
A ceremony was held at the National Guard base in Ebbing, Arkansas, to mark the completion of training by another group of Polish F-35A Lightning II fighter pilots. This is one of the key milestones in preparing to introduce the fifth-generation fighter jets into the Polish Air Force. The pilots will soon begin an instructor course, which will enable them to train future aviators back in Poland.
The training is part of a broad military cooperation between Poland and the United States and involves a total of 24 pilots and over 90 technicians. The first Polish pilots began their course in 2024 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where they received theoretical instruction and simulator training. Practical flight operations are already taking place in Arkansas, where the F-35s have been stationed since early 2025.
Author: Bartłomiej Wypartowicz
Germany: “no” for GMARS, “yes” for American rockets. An Opportunity for Poland?
Germany wants to be able to fire US-made GMLRS rockets from Israeli launchers, yet it doesn’t plan to purchase GMARS rocket launchers based on the HIMARS system used by Ukraine. If US decided to enable non-US made Rocket Launcher Systems to fire GMLRS rockets, that could benefit Poland as well, with Warsaw already operating a number of Korean-made Chunmoo systems.
US-made GMLRS is the most common guided rocket artillery munition used in NATO, yet it can be fired only with US launchers;Many countries, including Germany, Poland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, purchase non-US launchers, which now are capable of firing munitions from other countries, but not MLRS;Germany wants its PULS launchers to be capable of firing US-made GMLRS rockets. If this is successful, and if a similar approach is taken with Polish Chunmoo/Homar-K launchers, that would be a big benefit for Poland.
Author: Jakub Palowski
Will Piorun Go to Romania? Bucharest on a Spending Spree
The modernisation of Romania’s air defence is accelerating. Media reports provided by HotNews.ro indicate that the country plans to buy not only Mistral 3 systems from France and SPYDER systems from Israel, but also Italian radars and Polish Piorun missiles — all as part of a procurement process in which the Israeli offer was selected. PGZ, however, has not commented on a potential sale to Romania.
Changes in the oversight of the defence industry in Poland
Donald Tusk’s government reshuffle will affect the ministries responsible for Polish defence companies as well as Polish diplomacy.
The ministry supervising Polish defense companies has a new minister. Wojciech Balczun has been appointed head of the Ministry of State Assets, replacing Jakub Jaworowski in that role. Most recently, Balczun was associated with the Industrial Development Agency.
Polish Troops Fire Rubber Rounds to Halt Migrant Incursion
On the evening of 22 July 2025, soldiers of the Podlasie Task Force employed smooth‑bore firearms loaded with rubber rounds to repel a group of migrants attempting to breach the Polish–Belarusian frontier near the Border Guard post at Narewka. According to the Task Force, the migrants displayed aggressive conduct and refused to obey orders, leaving the use of non‑lethal direct coercive measures as the only recourse to ensure the safety of personnel and preserve border integrity. Five individuals were detained and handed over to the Border Guard; one, a Sudanese national, sustained a thigh wound from a rubber projectile and was hospitalised in Hajnówka in stable condition.
Major Błażej Łukaszewski, spokesperson for the Podlasie Task Force, emphasised the daily hazards faced by soldiers and Border Guard officers along Poland’s eastern frontier. He underlined their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation amidst a surging tide of illegal crossings and hostile encounters, calling on the public to support the Armed Forces and Border Guard in their demanding duty.
Author: dr Aleksander Olech
Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Institutions Undermined Amid Wartime Justification
Ukraine’s landmark anti-corruption institutions—NABU and SAPO—have lost their independence following the swift passage of Bill No. 12414, signed into law by President Zelensky. The move places both bodies under the direct authority of the Prosecutor General, effectively dismantling the legal firewall that once protected them from political interference.
Supporters claim the measure is necessary to combat Russian infiltration, following recent espionage allegations against NABU personnel. However, critics see this as a pretext to neutralise independent oversight—particularly over the defence sector, which is now exempt from scrutiny. Civil society leaders and international partners, including the EU and IMF, have raised alarm over the democratic backsliding, warning that Ukraine risks losing both credibility and crucial financial support.
The decision has triggered fierce domestic backlash. Protests are being organised, and public trust in the reformist promises of the Zelensky administration is rapidly eroding. For many, this marks a fundamental break with the ideals of the 2014 Maidan revolution. As Ukraine continues to fight an existential war with Russia, it now faces a parallel battle at home—one over integrity, democratic governance, and the future of the rule of law.
Author: dr Aleksander Olech
Poland Classifies Arms Imports Amid Growing Secrecy in Defence Policy
Poland has, for the first time, withheld data on its imports of major conventional weapons from the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) for 2024—marking a notable shift in transparency. While Warsaw continues to disclose some figures on light weapons, major arms imports, particularly from key suppliers like South Korea and the United States, are now officially classified. The move follows a trend since 2022, when Poland also stopped reporting arms donations to Ukraine.
Critics argue the lack of transparency undermines the usefulness of UNROCA, already plagued by inconsistent data across member states. Efforts to trace Polish imports through exporters« declarations—such as recent shipments from Bulgaria, the UK, and South Korea—offer only a partial and delayed picture, further complicated by re-export practices and weapons transfers for testing.
The decision likely reflects both national security concerns and the scale of recent defence procurements, but it also raises questions about accountability. With Poland emerging as one of NATO’s most active military spenders and arms hubs, the balance between operational secrecy and public oversight is becoming increasingly contentious.
Author: dr Aleksander Olech
Polish PM Donald Tusk Unveils Major Government Reshuffle
Polish PM Donald Tusk announced a major government reshuffle on 23 July. The overhaul aims to streamline government functioning and inject fresh momentum into the ruling coalition following its defeat in the presidential election earlier in June. As Tusk put it, the guiding principle behind the changes is „Order, Security, and Future.”
The number of constitutional ministers was reduced from 26 to 21 through the merging of several ministries, with a further reduction expected among secretaries and undersecretaries of state. As a result, a new Ministry of Energy will be established to consolidate Poland’s energy transition policy, whereas a new Centre for Economy and Finance will be created under Finance Minister Andrzej Domański to enhance coordination in economic affairs.
Among key personnel changes, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski was elevated to the position of Deputy PM, highlighting the central role of diplomacy in the government’s agenda. Wojciech Balczun was appointed Minister of State Assets, a post that oversees state-owned defence companies. Importantly, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will retain his dual role as Deputy PM and Minister of National Defence, signalling that security remains a top priority for the Tusk Cabinet.
Author: Kacper Kremiec
Poland withdraws from the Ottawa Convention
President Andrzej Duda has signed a bill withdrawing Poland from the Ottawa Convention, an international agreement that bans the use, production, and storage of anti-personnel landmines. The decision has been justified by the deteriorating security situation in the region and the need to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities. With this move, Poland joins countries such as Ukraine and the Baltic states, which have previously taken similar steps due to the threat posed by Russia. The government emphasises that modern landmines are equipped with remote deactivation mechanisms, which are intended to minimise the risk to civilians. However, critics point to the inhumane nature of such weapons, which can pose a deadly threat for many years after armed conflicts end. The decision has sparked significant controversy and has been met with criticism from international human rights organisations.
Author: Justyna Smoleń
Drone Revolution in the Polish Military as a Response to Lessons from Ukraine
Faced with rapidly evolving battlefield realities, the Polish military is undergoing a significant transformation, with unmanned systems becoming a crucial component of its modernisation. The widespread integration of drones is a direct response to observations from the war in Ukraine. Significant funds have been allocated not only for drone acquisitions but also for intensive operator training and streamlined procurement procedures. The armed forces can now swiftly implement proven technologies without the delays of standard tendering processes. A dedicated centre has been established to oversee the testing and development of drone technologies, alongside the creation of training laboratories within operational, special, and territorial defence units. The goal is to enhance combat readiness at the squad and battalion levels. Through these efforts, Poland is steadily positioning itself as a regional leader in technologically advanced military modernisation, emphasising agility, speed, and the strategic use of unmanned systems.
Author: Justyna Smoleń
Polish investments in satellites. How do we want to strengthen our space security?
Poland is currently in the negotiations with ICEYE – a Polish-Finish start up specialising in production of the Earth observation satellites. The discussions concern a potential equity investment. According to ICEYE’s CEO, the talks have entered their final stage. ICEYE owns and operates the world’s largest constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observation satellites. Recently the company’s market value has exceeded 1 bln dollars. Its system can monitor the Earth regardless of weather conditions and time of day. These solutions provide the capability to detect and identify even the smallest objects, offering a critical advantage for wide-area surveillance, precision targeting, reconnaissance, and enhancing situational awareness on the battlefield. New agreement between ICEYE and Poland is supposed to be the continuation of the purchase made by Ministry of Defence in May 2025. Then Warsaw decided to buy six satellites for 230mln dollars.
The extended involvement of the Polish capital in ICEYE should be perceived as a positive sign that country wants to strengthen its presence within the space business. Certainly, it will create a positive value for the Poland’s security. The system has gained significant recognition for its effectiveness, having been consistently employed by Ukrainian forces since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Without a doubt, from Warsaw perspective, the protection of this area is crucial given the persistent threat posed by Moscow.
Author: Amelia Wojciechowska
Finland’s Security Model: A Blueprint for Resilient Nations
Finland’s approach to national defence stands as a leading example of comprehensive security in Europe. Rooted in Cold War doctrine and shaped by historical trauma, the Finnish model fuses universal conscription, citizen training, robust shelter infrastructure, and a unique societal mindset known assisu—a culture of resilience and preparedness. Its integrated system brings together state institutions, civil society, and the private sector to ensure readiness for crises ranging from war to cyber disruption.
Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, particularly since 2022, has only reinforced Finland’s commitment to strategic resilience. NATO membership, a strengthened reserve force, and legislation mandating shelters in large buildings all reflect a nation that invests in both military and civil defence. Remarkably, over 85% of the Finnish population can be accommodated in shelters within 72 hours.
For countries like Poland, Finland offers more than just inspiration—it presents a practical model. Despite higher defence spending and initiatives such as „Train with the Army”, Poland still lacks a unified national resilience strategy. Greater emphasis on civic education, compulsory shelter infrastructure, and military–civilian cooperation would help bridge this gap. Above all, Finland’s experience underscores the need for long-term political consensus in building national security—something Poland is still struggling to achieve.
Author: dr Aleksander Olech
If you would like to receive this newsletter, please sign up by clicking HERE .
East Front News is a weekly newsletter and article on Defence24.com summarizing the past week’s most important events concerning security and the situation in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes original opinions and comments, along with key news items significant from a Polish perspective.
Aleksander Olech, Jakub Palowski, Deputy Ed. in Chief and Michał Górski