Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk announced on 27/12/2023 that a new air defense system along the country's eastern border could be partially operational within six months, possibly sooner. The full network is expected to be completed in approximately 24 months.

Tomczyk stated the system will integrate into an existing defense network, established over a decade ago, which features multiple layers of protection. These defenses range from machine guns, artillery, and missiles to drone jamming technology. Certain elements of this new system will be reserved for emergency or wartime deployment.

The project is estimated to cost over 2 billion euro (more than 2.3 billion USD). European funds, provided through the SAFE defense loan program, will cover the majority of the expenses, with the state budget contributing the remainder.

A Russian drone rests on a rabbit hutch at a house in Bychawka Trzecia, Lublin province, on 10/9/2023. *Photo: TVP*

Last September, Poland suspected more than 10 Russian drones entered its airspace. This incident prompted the country to close airports, scramble fighter jets, and intercept several targets.

Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski commented at the time that the intrusion was likely a probing maneuver, designed to test Warsaw's reactions without provoking a full-scale conflict. Following the event, Poland accelerated and refined its plans to bolster eastern border defenses.

Location of Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. *Graphic: FT*

Poland increased its defense spending to 4.7% of GDP, making it one of the highest in the European Union. This rise reflects concerns over 'hybrid warfare' and military threats from Russia. Deputy Minister Tomczyk argued that the critical question for Europe is not whether to increase defense spending from 2% to 3-3.5% of GDP, but whether it is prepared to risk spending up to 40% of its GDP on war in the future.

Beyond the anti-drone 'stronghold', Poland is also constructing fortifications along its land borders with Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad region. This initiative, part of the 'Eastern Shield' project, aims to deter any potential adversary from invading Polish territory. Each border area will establish a specialized logistics center, capable of storing and deploying border blockade equipment within hours.

Meanwhile, at his year-end press conference on 19/12/2023, President Putin affirmed that Russia "will not conduct any new military operations if the West treats us with respect, if you respect our interests just as we always try to respect yours."

By Thanh Danh (According to *The Guardian*)