Poland to build €2 billion anti-drone shield on eastern borders

WISE NEWS PRESS / WARSAW, POLAND — DEC. 29, 2025

Poland has announced plans to complete a state-of-the-art, €2 billion anti-drone defense line along its eastern borders within two years. The move comes as a direct response to a surge in airspace violations by Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) since the beginning of the year.

Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk stated in an interview with the Guardian that the first capabilities of the system are expected to be operational within six months, with the entire multi-layered infrastructure finalized in 24 months.

A Multi-Layered Defense Architecture

The new defense network will be integrated into an existing shield established roughly a decade ago, creating a hybrid security zone. According to Tomczyk, the system will utilize a diverse range of countermeasures, including machine guns, specialized cannons, missiles, and high-tech drone signal jammers.

The Deputy Minister noted that while some kinetic interceptors, such as multi-barrel machine guns, are reserved for wartime or emergency conditions due to the risks of falling debris in civilian areas, the electronic warfare components will provide constant monitoring during peacetime.

Countering Russian "Testing" Maneuvers

In September, more than a dozen drones believed to be Russian entered Polish airspace, leading to airport closures and the scrambling of fighter jets. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski described these incidents as attempts by the Kremlin to "test" Poland’s resolve and defensive reactions without initiating a full-scale conflict.

In addition to the anti-drone line, Poland is advancing the "East Shield" (Tarcza Wschód) project, which involves heavy fortifications along the borders of Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The project is largely funded through the European Union’s SAFE (Security Action For Europe) credit program, supplemented by Poland’s national budget.

Leading Europe in Defense Investment

As the war in neighboring Ukraine continues, Poland has effectively shifted to a high-readiness posture. The country has increased its defense spending to 4.7% of its GDP—the highest ratio within the European Union.

"As long as Ukraine defends itself and fights Russia, Europe is not under the threat of a conventional war in the classic sense," Tomczyk said. However, he warned that sabotage, arson, and provocations orchestrated by Russian intelligence are likely to persist. "If the West allows Russia to win in Ukraine, it will not be long before the Kremlin’s next target is Europe."

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