The Polish-Belarusian border is well secured. I have no doubt that the provocations will be repeated, but the Polish army is prepared for many different scenarios and will respond adequately to the threat, Mariusz Błaszczak, the head of the Ministry of National Defense, told PAP.
The transfer of the Wagners to Belarus poses a major security challenge. Especially in the context of Belarusian-Russian hybrid attacks on our border
– the head of the Ministry of National Defense told PAP. As he noted, this issue was discussed extensively at the NATO summit in Vilnius.
A clear position
Our position is clear: NATO and allies stand ready to respond immediately to any form of aggression
he stressed, adding:
Every bit of Polish and alliance territory will be defended with full determination.
When asked whether provocations from the Belarusian side will be repeated and intensified, he replied that he had no doubts. He noted that the Ministry of National Defense is constantly monitoring the situation and is doing everything possible to strengthen the security of the Poles.
Moving military units to the east, strengthening the defense line and increasing the number of soldiers are actions that protect our citizens
– emphasized the head of the Ministry of National Defense. He added that the army is prepared for many different scenarios and will respond appropriately to the threat.
Of course, we must monitor the situation closely, deter it first
he pointed it out.
The minister pointed out that while the support of the Allies is very valuable, the main responsibility today lies with the Polish army. As he explained, this is why the military, along with other services, is constantly monitoring the situation at the border.
I assure you the border is well protected. I decided to send additional troops to protect it – including helicopter gunships
he pointed it out.
“Safe Podlasie”
In addition, as emphasized by the head of the Ministry of National Defense, the “Safe Podlasie” operation is also underway.
In total there will be about 10,000 people at the border and in the border areas. soldiers, of which 4,000 will directly support the Border Guard. The rest train and watch in reserve. It is a demonstration of the presence of the Polish army, our steadfastness and determination
Blaszczak said.
When asked how the Ministry of Defense increases the security of Suwałki Pass and Brzeska Gate, Błaszczak replied:
These are critical points, which is why we are strengthening and expanding the units stationed there. This is where the latest equipment comes first.
As he explained, among other things, the plan is being implemented to strengthen the eastern part of the country by expanding the military infrastructure and moving part of the Polish armed forces from the west to the east.
Reinforcement takes place both in the tactical dimension, including additional soldiers and new equipment, and in the strategic dimension through the construction of new units of different levels
he noticed.
He indicated that it concerned both battalions, such as the sapper battalion in Augustów, and large tactical units, such as the 1st Legions Infantry Division and the 2nd Polish Corps. He stressed that the Territorial Defense Forces are also active in eastern Poland.
Just on the eastern border, the first WOT units were built. And that is where they always enjoy the greatest interest
added the minister.
When asked how the formation of the 1st Legions Infantry Division, which will be mainly stationed in the province, is progressing. Podlaskie judged that “everything is going according to plan”. He pointed out that the decision to create the 1st Division was a result of the needs and the political and military situation in our region.
As you can see today, it was the right decision, as was the decision to form the 18th Mechanized Division. The threat comes from the east and we must strengthen ourselves there
he stressed.
Expansion of the Polish Army in the East
The head of the Department of Defense explained that the 1st Division is being built on the model of the 18th Division, which in turn used “the best American models”. As he noted, the units of the 1st Division are already being sent to Białystok, Kolno, Siemiatycze, Ostrołęka, among others.
The Polish army is expanding in the east. These are new units, but often the army also returns to old locations, which once had to leave as a result of the decision of our predecessors
Blaszczak noticed.
The minister recalled that the NATO summit in Vilnius confirmed NATO’s willingness to defend every piece of alliance territory. In addition, there are also constant US troops in Poland.
Currently, several thousand American soldiers are stationed in Poland, equipped with the best military equipment. This is the result of excellent relations between Warsaw and Washington
– he said. As he noted, one of the effects of the closer cooperation with the US is to establish a forward command post of the US Army V Corps in our country.
This is an important gesture by Americans. With such support and with such reinforcement of the Polish army, we have no doubts about our defense capabilities. We really deter the aggressor and if necessary we are ready to put up a strong defense
Blaszczak said.
gah/PAP
Source: wPolityce