The formation brings together four Territorial Defense Force brigades based near Poland’s borders with Belarus, Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Ukraine. Its troops will cooperate with the Border Guard, monitor frontier areas, support emergency response and help maintain fortifications, warehouses, drones and anti‑drone systems built under the East Shield program. The component has operated since July 1, while commanders of its four reorganized brigades were formally appointed in Warsaw on Wednesday. Authorities say it will eventually comprise more than 15,000 soldiers. East Shield, launched after Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, is a 10‑billion‑złoty (€2.3 billion) defense and deterrence program covering Poland’s eastern flank. Work entered an “intensive phase” in 2026, with allied troops expected to assist construction. Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk called threats from the east “real and tangible.”
