The exercises were designed to test the effectiveness of the barriers and defence systems that are key to protecting Poland's eastern border. The programme includes activities that aim to make the country more secure in the face of potential threats.

This project is planned to be completed over the course of many years. Its main goal is to deter a potential adversary from starting a war. This project has strictly peaceful purposes,

emphasised the Prime Minister at the training ground in Orzysz.

The exercise was conducted by units of the 16th and 12th Mechanised Divisions and the 2nd Sapper Regiment. These measures will ensure that operational needs are carefully examined and the defence infrastructure can be adapted to meet future challenges.

“All these exercises, installations and billions spent are to ensure that no adversary dares to attack us,”

Donald Tusk noted.

The Prime Minister pointed out that some of the infrastructure that will be built as part of the “Shield East” project will have civilian uses as well, which will benefit residents in border areas.

“Part of it will be funded by the European Union, not just by the state budget. I will also be discussing this in the coming days and weeks in Brussels,”

said the Prime Minister at the training grounds.

He also highlighted the importance of accelerating the project’s completion to ensure Poland's long-term security. The exercises in Orzysz are the first step towards the full implementation of the “Shield East” project.

The Prime Minister also thanked the authorities and soldiers for protecting Poland's eastern border.

The safety of Poles and the homeland remains a key priority for the government. In 2025, Poland plans to spend 4.7 % of its GDP on defence, which amounts to 187 billion PLN - 50 billion more compared to 2023.

The “Shield East” National Deterrence and Defence Programme is a priority for our government. Homeland security, defence, community building, strong alliances and modernising the army are our key objectives,

said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in Orzysz.

The “Shield East” project has three main objectives:

1. Impeding the mobility of enemy troops;
2. Facilitating the mobility of Polish troops;
3. Providing protection for Polish soldiers and civilians.

“Shield East is there to deter the enemy, so that no one would ever think of attacking Poland and NATO's eastern flank. This is why we are building it in the first place,”

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz pointed out.

The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the project would be completed quicker than originally planned. The construction of the fortifications was due to start in 2025; however, it will be possible before 2024 ends. The project will run until 2028.

Drone systems, military depots and modernised fortifications will constitute the baseline of the country's defence, ensuring support for units operating on the borders.

The anti-drone system, the reconnaissance system, the ingress prevention system, as well as ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the communications system are among the key facilities to be built as the Shield East programme progresses. This military operation aims to make these areas inaccessible,

said the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, Lieutenant General Stanisław Czosnek.

The training and testing grounds in Orzysz enables units to train and prepare barriers, as well as to test them. The exercise proved that the possibility of illegal border crossings is now minimised.