During a visit to Kolno, Mariusz Błaszczak, the head of the Ministry of National Defense, described a fragment of Poland’s 2011 defense plan as a historical document. He said it stands as a record of the authorities’ approach to state security at that time, underscoring how the nation viewed its own protection amid evolving regional threats.
The defense chief opened the conference titled Safe East, held Friday at the Kolno Culture and Sports Center. Earlier, he participated in the oath ceremony for the first cohort of soldiers within the unit being formed in Kolno, a site within the motorized brigade that belongs to the 1st Legions Infantry Division.
In contrast to the previous administration’s stance, which emphasized defending Poland along the Vistula River, the government led by Law and Justice redirected focus toward safeguarding Poland’s entire border. Every piece of Polish territory is now defended by the country’s armed forces, Błaszczak asserted.
Klich’s plan
Last week, the minister referred to an excerpt of the plan that envisioned using the Polish Armed Forces in a standalone defense operation. This plan received approval in 2011 from Bogdan Klich, who then headed the Ministry of National Defense. The minister noted that the document he revealed was once criticized by opponents but remains a historic record, illustrating the security mindset of that era in Poland.
He added that in the name of a clearly understood public interest, the clause should have been removed from the historic document. He reiterated that the document must be seen in context because it coincides with the ongoing process of establishing new military units in the country’s eastern region.
– he stated.
Reconstruction of military units
Speaking about national security policy, Błaszczak reaffirmed the PiS government’s goal to build a Polish army so robust that potential aggressors think twice before crossing Poland’s borders. The aim is to ensure that the tragic episodes from Poland’s past do not repeat themselves, especially in the eastern areas where military presence is being strengthened.
He addressed attendees including local government officials from Poland’s northeast and students enrolled in uniformed classes. The purpose of creating new units is to ensure a visible military footprint in places where security considerations demand a stronger state presence and deterrence.
The defense minister reminded listeners that Kolno has history marked by military operations, making the ongoing expansion of defense capabilities particularly meaningful for the local community.
He noted that more than 42,000 people are currently engaged in voluntary military service for 18 months, with most serving as professional soldiers. He also announced that over 4,400 new recruits are expected to take an oath over the next two days, highlighting the scale of the ongoing buildup.
Błaszczak argued that creating these military units serves not only national security but also local development and economic growth, pointing to a broader regional impact beyond defense alone.
Saturate the east with troops
Therefore, the eastern region of Poland is to be saturated with the presence of the Polish army, the minister said. He listed the units being expanded or established in this region and emphasized to local governments that these measures bring tangible benefits rather than threats. He also extended gratitude to the soldiers patrolling the eastern border and supporting the Border Guard.
On migration, he described the relocation of people as part of a broader policy tool. When discussions arise about a European Commission plan to distribute migrants across EU states, he said, the public should be aware of the realities this represents and the kinds of responses it warrants.
The defense minister urged citizens to participate in the upcoming referendum alongside the parliamentary elections on October 15 and to vote against relocation mechanisms that he believes undermine national sovereignty. The remarks reflect a broader emphasis on preserving Poland’s border integrity while sustaining regional development and security initiatives.
Source citations accompany this report to indicate the origin of contemporaneous statements and framing by the ministry and allied outlets (Source: wPolityce).