Transformation and modernization of the army and treatments for financial resources, among others, for further improvement of the infrastructure of the 18th Reconnaissance Battalion in Biała Podlaska – these are the topics of the gathering of Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz with commanding staff and soldiers from 18 BR of the Iron Division. It is simply a key formation for defending the east flank of Poland and NATO.
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz visited the 18th Reconnaissance Battalion in Biała Podlaska on Tuesday, where he talked to the commanders and soldiers about the expansion of the complex, service conditions, training, as well as military needs. Plans for the improvement of the battalion and strengthening its operational capacity in the region were discussed. The gathering was besides an chance to review the defence possible of subordinate individuals 18th Mechanized Division.
The Minister of National Defence recalled that intensive construction work is underway in the complex in Biała Podlaska. – About PLN 360 million has already been invested – the barracks-office building has late been put into service, there are also barracks, warehouses and all infrastructure related to accommodation, training, upgrading of qualifications, retention and servicing of equipment – said the head of the MON and stressed that all of this is in a very crucial place – in border areas, which require peculiar attention and increased investment. According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, in the coming years further investments are planned with a value of PLN half a billion. Soldiers are besides waiting for further supplies of equipment, they inactive have needs for individual equipment, and all this requires financial expenditure. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that his work for the transformation and modernisation of the army was crucial. “This is why I consistently search financial resources – both European, including from SAFE programmes. Armed Poland Programme will be implemented and any effort to challenge it will not halt this process. We are besides looking for additional sources of financing, including funds from the National Bank of Poland and another budgetary instruments," said Kosiniak-Kamysz, and indicated that the needs of the Polish army are PLN 600 billion, and that the Union's money will velocity up investments concerning e.g. sports and training complex and shooting scope in Biała Podlaska. The head of the MON besides thanked the soldiers for their service. – For being in – whether in a professional army or in territorial defence troops – and for serving, acting, defending, protecting – he calculated.
The 18th Reconnaissance Battalion was formed in 2021 in Przasnysz, and since 2022 it has been stationed in White Podlaska and enters into subordination of the 18th Mechanized Division. The battalion inherits traditions of the 13th Vilnius Ulan Regiment, its patron is Colonel Józef Szostak. This unit is the “eyes and ears” of the Iron Division. It conducts exploratory, reflection and safety activities in the area of its authoritative responsibility.
