Poland Launches Multi-Layered Anti-Drone Defence Network Along Eastern Border

Poland has begun building a comprehensive, multi-layered anti-drone defence system along its eastern border, responding to repeated airspace violations linked to Russian unmanned systems and growing concerns over hybrid warfare tactics.

The project, confirmed by Cezary Tomczyk, Poland’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, is expected to deliver initial operational capability within six months, with full completion targeted within 24 months. The system will be integrated into an existing defensive line constructed roughly a decade ago, significantly upgrading Poland’s border security posture.

Layered Defence Against Drones and Sabotage

According to Tomczyk, the architecture will combine several layers of protection, including:

• Electronic warfare and drone-jamming systems
• Rapid-fire machine guns and cannons
• Missile-based air defence assets for high-threat scenarios

Some elements, particularly heavy multi-barrel machine guns, are intended strictly for crisis or wartime use due to safety risks in peacetime environments.

Rapid-Response Logistics Hubs

A key component of the plan involves the creation of dedicated logistics centres in every border municipality. These hubs will store physical barriers, electronic counter-drone equipment, and other rapid-deployment assets, enabling authorities to reinforce the border within hours in response to emerging threats.

Focus on Hybrid Threats

Polish defence officials stress that the primary risk facing the country is not a full-scale conventional invasion, but sustained provocations, sabotage, and grey-zone operations. Tomczyk noted that as long as Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression, Europe remains shielded from large-scale conventional war. However, he warned that a Russian victory could quickly shift Moscow’s focus toward destabilising EU and NATO states.

Broader Security Measures

The anti-drone initiative follows several recent security steps:

• Initial anti-drone components were installed along the border with Belarus in December and are set to become operational in January
• Poland extended its border buffer zone until March 2026
• The Polish Armed Forces have expanded cooperation with the national power grid operator to protect critical transformer substations, following acts of sabotage on railway infrastructure

Together, these measures reflect Poland’s accelerating shift toward territorial defense, counter-UAS capabilities, and resilience against hybrid warfare—an approach increasingly mirrored across NATO’s eastern flank as tensions with Russia remain high.