Poland plans to build an electronic barrier on the border with Ukraine — RMF24
RMF24 reports this.
The cost of the project is estimated at approximately 450 million zlotys. The barrier will cover part of the territory of the Nadbużański Border Guard Unit.
The project involves laying underground cables to detect seismic vibrations, fibre-optic cables for data transmission, and power cables. Poles equipped with day and thermal imaging cameras will be installed along the perimeter to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the area.
All data from the system will be transmitted directly to the surveillance centre at the unit’s headquarters, where it will be analysed by border guards. “This solution will enable a rapid response to any attempts at illegal border crossings and other threats,” the media reports.
The project is to be funded by the EU’s SAFE programme, but its implementation was blocked by a veto from President Karol Nawrocki. Intensive consultations are currently underway to secure the remaining funds needed to implement the project.
The decision to build the electronic barrier was taken in response to the growing threat posed by Russia’s war against Ukraine. The barrier is intended not only to prevent illegal border crossings but also to improve the efficiency of detecting and responding to any incidents that may threaten national security.
Strengthening Poland’s border
Poland had previously begun erecting fortifications along its eastern border, particularly with Belarus. This is linked to the need to defend against pressure “exerted by Lukashenko’s regime”.
And in June 2023, Poland completed an electronic barrier on the border with Belarus. It is equipped with thousands of cameras and other technology designed to prevent illegal border crossings.
Subsequently, plans were announced to build 70-metre-high observation towers on the border with Belarus, which would be used to monitor a stretch of nearly 10 kilometres on both sides.
In November 2024, Poland began construction of a line of defensive fortifications on the border with Russia as part of the ‘Eastern Shield’ programme.
By 2028, plans are in place to build reconnaissance and threat detection systems, forward bases, logistics hubs and depots across approximately 400 km², as well as to deploy anti-drone systems. 10 billion zlotys (around 2.3 billion euros) have been allocated for this purpose.
