Poland\u2019s Defense Minister W\u0142adys\u0142aw Kosiniak-Kamysz has announced the establishment of the Border Protection Component, a new military structure aimed at strengthening the defense of the country\u2019s eastern and northeastern borders. <\/p>\n
The name references the Border Protection Corps of the Second Polish Republic (1924-1939). The new formation will be adapted to cope with modern threats, such as hybrid operations, migratory pressure, and drone attacks, News.Az<\/a> reports, citing The Insider.<\/a><\/p>\n The Component will join the Territorial Defense Forces to become one of the pillars of Poland\u2019s East Shield program, which was launched in May 2024 to strengthen security on the border with Belarus and Russia. The project provides for the construction of defensive infrastructure, the development of surveillance systems, and an enhancement of the state\u2019s crisis response capabilities.<\/p>\n The new formation will comprise four brigades covering key sections of the eastern border. The unit\u2019s tasks will include supporting state border protection, conducting reconnaissance, protecting infrastructure, and rapidly responding to threats. The troops will coordinate with the Border Guard and other national security agencies.<\/p>\n The creation of the Border Protection Component is described as another step in strengthening NATO\u2019s eastern flank. It is intended to complement other East Shield measures and enhance Poland\u2019s ability to defend its borders in the face of growing threats. Kosiniak-Kamysz promised to present organizational details and appoint commanders for the new formation. The creation of the unit is set to become one of the key elements of Poland\u2019s long-term defense strategy.<\/p>\n This past September, Poland\u00a0deployed\u00a040,000 troops to the border with Belarus and Russia ahead of the Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 exercises \u2014 during which, according to Foreign Minister Rados\u0142aw Sikorski, \u201cvery aggressive scenarios\u201d were practiced.<\/p>\n