WARSAW, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Poland has unveiled details of its "East Shield" program, aimed at strengthening its eastern border, which is the country's largest border defense initiative since 1945, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Monday.

"This is a strategic operation for our government and the security of Poland," Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the significance of the Polish security operation during a press conference held together with Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk and Chief of Staff of the Polish Armed Forces Wieslaw Kukula.

The defense minister outlined the program, which includes fortifications, various types of barriers, and modern airspace monitoring systems at every level. He highlighted that the program's task includes hindering the movement of hostile forces, facilitating the movement of Polish troops, and protecting civilians.

Deputy Defense Minister Tomczyk said Poland's border extends approximately 700 km, with 400 km bordering Belarus. "We want this program to be implemented immediately, and completed by 2028, the estimated cost is approximately 10 billion zloty (2.55 billion U.S. dollars)."

At the press conference, the officials indicated that the "East Shield" project will be funded by Poland's state budget but the country also seeks to apply for additional support from the European Union.

Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the need for increased EU investment in security. "The EU must invest much more in security," he said. Enditem

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