In a statement, the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces said work carried out last year included 10 km of linear fortifications and materials stockpiled at 13 storage sites, allowing a further 50 km of border to be secured rapidly in the event of a crisis.
The military plans to secure 200 km of the border in 2026, including 20 km of linear fortifications and materials prepared to block another 180 km.
Five border crossings with Russia and Belarus were blocked last year, with preparations made to block a further 12 if required, the general staff said.
By the end of 2026, nearly 260 km of Poland’s 628 km land border with Russia and Belarus is expected to be secured, representing more than 38 percent of the frontier.
The project involves the construction of anti-tank barriers, the stockpiling of concrete obstacles and barbed wire, and the deployment of reconnaissance and counter-drone systems.
It also includes investments in military supply facilities and the use of natural barriers such as forests and wetlands.
The military has so far acquired 38 properties along key sections of the border, with plans to add further 150 this year.
It is also working with the climate and environment ministry to restore peat bogs and wetlands that serve as natural defensive barriers.
The programme received PLN 870 million (EUR 207 million) last year from the defence budget, alongside EU funding.
Troops from allied NATO countries are expected to take part in the development of engineering infrastructure from mid-2026.
The Baltic states are implementing a similar Baltic Defence Line along their borders with Russia and Belarus, with support from Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.
Poland’s border with Russia and Belarus extends for 628 km, with an additional 22 km of maritime border with Russia.
(ał)
Source: PAP