Estimated reading time: 1 minute
The Polish defence minister remarked on Tuesday that the security of the nation is reliant on Eastern Poland and that its defences must be reinforced, elaborating on plans for the creation of a new infantry division in the southeast region of the country.
Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine has alarmed Poland and accelerated a multi-billion euro defence spending programme which will result in the Polish Armed Forces being expanded and equipped with modern weaponry.
“We have to be strong, in fact, very strong in the eastern part of the country, because this is the main frontline of our security and independence. We know who a threat to us is and where,”
Mariusz Blaszczak told the i.pl website.
Referring to his announcement on Monday of plans to form a new infantry division in the southeast of the country, Blaszczak said the unit was a part of Poland’s plans to build “a real land force” in the east.
“The main threat for Poland is Russia and its imperial ambitions. Therefore we need more forces in the east, and this is why the new division is being formed,”
the defence minister said.
Blaszczak said the new unit and others in the area will be equipped with K2 tanks and K9 howitzers recently purchased from South Korea.