Poland to build $2.2 bn multi‑layered anti‑drone defences to counter Russian threat

Poland is moving ahead with a major defence project, announcing plans to construct a $2.2 billion anti‑drone fortification system along its eastern border in response to growing security concerns tied to Russia’s military actions.

The announcement comes after several incursions by suspected Russian drones into Polish airspace.

Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk told The Guardian that the new system will be rolled out in phases, with the first capabilities expected in about six months and full completion targeted within 24 months.

“We expect to have the first capabilities of the system in roughly six months, perhaps even sooner. And the full system will take 24 months to complete,” Tomczyk said.

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What the fortification will look like

Rather than a single wall, the fortification will be a multi‑layered defence system.

It will integrate modern technology, such as drone‑jamming systems, alongside more traditional weaponry like machine guns, cannons and missiles. Officials say this layered approach is needed to counter the evolving threat from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ensure better control of Polish airspace.

Tomczyk added that “some of this is for use only in extreme or war conditions.”

That’s a nod to how certain components, especially more aggressive weapons, could be activated only if tensions escalate into open conflict.

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Why Poland is acting now

The recent push to fortify the eastern border followed a spate of suspected Russian drone flights over Polish territory.

In one incident in September, more than a dozen drones were detected entering Polish airspace, forcing Nato jets to scramble and resulting in debris damage to infrastructure on the ground.

Tomczyk was clear about Poland’s strategic thinking: “The truth is that as long as Ukraine is defending itself and fighting Russia, Europe is not at risk of war in the conventional, strict sense of the word,” he said. But, he added, Europe should prepare for “provocations and acts of sabotage” that could come in other forms.

Most of the cost will be covered by European funds under the SAFE defence loan programme, with additional contributions from Poland’s own defence budget. The project also ties into broader efforts like the long‑term “Eastern Shield” initiative, aimed at strengthening Poland’s readiness amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising hybrid threats across the region.