The construction of the “Hard East” is entering a decisive phase. Plans for 2026 supply for the strengthening of 200 km of the border, which will let to realize almost 40% of the full project. WP General Staff announces, among others, the construction of further warehouses of equipment and materials and fresh communication stations. The investment is crucial for the safety of the east flank of NATO. This year the construction will be supported by allies.
General Staff of the Polish Army summarized the implementation to date Tarcza East programme. The intent of this World War II’s largest strengthening programme, is to increase the ability to detect and combat threats early, improve mobility and protection of own troops, hinder the movement of abroad troops and defend civilians.
Within 4 years, a military installation belt will be built on a fewer hundred-mile long of the east and northern borders, reaching up to 50 km deep into the country. In 2025, over PLN 870 million were allocated from the budget of the Ministry of Defence. These amounts consist of liabilities arising from contracts concluded. ‘The amount indicated does not include funds from European Union funds,’ the SGHR informs.
The 60 km line has been strengthened so far. A alleged linear building was created for 10 km, i.e. anti-tank dams were spread and trenches, shooting stations, shelters importantly expanding the anticipation of defence on these sections were built. The remaining 50 km belt along the border was prepared to rapidly block the passage via engineering materials that were collected in built 13 material compositions. 5 border crossings were besides blocked and a further 12 (ten road crossings and 7 rail crossings) were prepared to be blocked.
This year it is planned to make a "linear building" on subsequent sections (together 20 km) and engineering preparation to defend a belt of a full dimension of 180 km. After this phase of work, the “Tarcza East” will be carried out on a 260-kilometre section, making up 38% of the planned installation length.
The investment besides includes the improvement of communication infrastructure in the border runway. In 2025 7 fresh base stations (BTS) were launched. This year, another twelve specified stations are planned to be built, financed both by the Defence Ministry and by GSM network operators. Ultimately, the network coverage in the area of the “Hard East” is expected to emergence from 89% to 95%.
According to the General Staff, 38 plots were collected in 2025 for linear engineering expansion. crucial acceleration of the pace of work this year means that the military is besides planning to get more property – it is 150 plots in 52 locations. Additionally, the army wants to take over from the resources of the National Agricultural Support Centre another 45 plots for the expansion of weapons retention and engineering equipment.
Parallel to the expansion of pro-defence infrastructure in the border runway, a programme is being implemented to strengthen the fighting capabilities of the Polish Army. "Army Agency carries out work on the acquisition of, among others, an anti-aircraft strategy with the anticipation of combating BSP (San cryptonym), and manages signed contracts, inter alia, on the acquisition of Baobab-K and Baobab-G mine transporters, unmanned air systems FlyEye, unmanned search and impact systems Gladius, combat measures and plans to carry out further tasks in the field of motor vehicles, reconnaissance measures, communications and individual equipment", the SGWP mentions.
The “Tarcza East” built in Poland is not the only specified installation on the east flank of NATO. akin investments are besides carried out in the Baltic States and Finland. "The year 2025 was a period of peculiarly intense global cooperation, including many visits by military and government delegations curious in exchanging experience in planning, building and maintaining defence infrastructure", said the SGWP in its Communication.
In the past year there were besides talks with the UK, Germany and the USA about supporting the implementation of the Polish programme. "Since mid-2026, it is planned to include allied troops in the improvement of engineering infrastructure on the east border of Poland" - the SGWP informs.
