The Polish Prime Minister has unveiled large-scale plans for air defense and deterrence, pledging to invest billions in security on the eastern border, the PAP news agency reported on Saturday.
PM Donald Tusk speaking at a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the WWII Battle of Monte Cassino, Kraków, May 18, 2024Photo: PAP/Art Service
Donald Tusk made the statement in the southern city of Kraków at a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the WWII Battle of Monte Cassino.
„We have decided to invest in our security, and above all, in a secure eastern border, with a PLN 10 [EUR 2.3] billion investment”, Tusk said.
“We are launching a major project to build a secure border, including a fortification system, as well as terrain shaping and environmental measures that will make this border impenetrable to potential enemies”, he added.
“On Monday, I will discuss financing the satellite component with the European Investment Bank. We will obtain half a billion zloty [some EUR 120 million] loan, which will increase our security”, Tusk also declared.
He noted this would be part of an “Iron Dome”-like defense system.
Last month, Tusk announced that Warsaw wants to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a German-led air defense network, still in its infancy.
“We recognize, based on the experiences of Israel and Ukraine, that no single country can bear the effort of a secure dome, secure skies, and a secure air defense over Poland, the region, and the entire continent,” he emphasized.
Tusk also said that work on the project has already begun in Poland.
The European missile defense shield was proposed by Germany in 2022.
Initially, 15 countries joined. Currently, 21 countries are participating in the initiative, according to PAP.
(mo)
Source: PAP