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NATO Member Poland Unveils $2.55 Billion 'East Shield' Plan, Signs $735M Missile Deal

May 28, 2024, 03:26 AM

Poland, a NATO member, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to fortify its eastern border with Russia and Belarus, known as the 'East Shield' program. The initiative, which is set to cost 10 billion zloty ($2.55 billion), includes the construction of fortifications, hubs, and telecommunication systems. The Polish defense ministry emphasized that this is the largest operation to strengthen Poland's eastern border and NATO's eastern flank since 1945. The plan involves coordination with other NATO allies such as Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Additionally, Poland has signed a $735 million contract with the United States for the supply of JASSM-ER missiles to enhance its military capabilities, as confirmed by Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. The fortifications will span approximately 700 kilometers (430 miles) and include anti-tank ditches, bunkers, and minefields.