Territorials are changing their face. An elite Border Defense Component is created

The Border Defense Component is being created in the Territorial Defense Forces, prepared to operate in border areas. One of the pillars of the KOP will be the 4th Warmia-Masuria Territorial Defense Brigade, the spokeswoman of the Warmia-Masuria Territorial Defense Forces announced on Wednesday.

As reported by the platoon. Sabina Mazurek, the changes result from the implementation of the decision of the Minister of National Defense to create a Border Defense Component in the Territorial Defense Forces. – This is dictated by concern for the security of the country's border and increasing the protection of local communities that border with a possible enemy. The conclusions from the war in Ukraine, the permanent threat on the border with Belarus and the implementation of the National Deterrence and Defense Program – Shield East outlined the need to strengthen the potential of this component, she added.

The Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship borders on 200 kilometers with the Królewiec Oblast of the Russian Federation.

Two of the five battalions of the 4th Warmia-Masuria Territorial Defense Brigade are already border defense battalions, and three more battalions, currently light infantry battalions, are undergoing transformation. A logistics battalion will also be established in the brigade.

– The conclusions drawn from the war in Ukraine, the constant threat on the border with Belarus and the implementation of the National Deterrence and Defense Program “Shield East” outlined the need to strengthen the Territorial Defense Forces in this part of the country. One of the elements of this process is the transformation of the brigade, previously partly composed of light infantry battalions, into a border defense brigade and adapting its structure to the changed tasks – noted the commander of 4W-MBOT, Col. Cezary Kiszkowiak.

The reorganization will cover positions intended for professional soldiers and soldiers of the Territorial Military Service. After completing the transformation and allocation of subunits, all professional soldiers and TSW soldiers are guaranteed places to serve in their home brigade, added Col. Kiszkowiak.

The Border Defense Component will consist of sixteen border defense battalions in four brigades. The two current territorial defense brigades will be incorporated into it in their entirety – the 1st Podlasie Defense Brigade and the 4th Warmia-Masuria Defense Brigade.

According to the 2025 concept, KOP brigades will also include unmanned weapon systems subunits and UAV counter-units (unmanned aerial vehicles). The concept assumes that on January 1, 2028, KOP will achieve initial readiness as the operator of the National Deterrence and Defense Program – East Shield. (PAP)

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