Poland celebrates Territorial Defence Forces anniversary

Poland celebrated the anniversary of the Territorial Defence Forces (WOT) with a formal ceremony at the Museum of the Battle of Warsaw 1920 in Ossow. Representing Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Undersecretary of State Stanisław Wziątek attended the event.

In a letter addressed to the troops, Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the WOT serves as a vital link between state military potential and local communities. He noted that the forces play a critical role in protecting borders, strengthening the eastern flank, and providing crisis assistance to citizens. The current security environment, characterized by the war in Ukraine and hybrid threats, underscores the importance of the WOT's readiness.

The Territorial Defence Forces currently consist of over 45,000 soldiers, with at least one brigade established in every voivodeship. To address ongoing threats on the border with Belarus, Poland is also developing the East Shield (Tarcza Wschód) National Deterrence and Defense Program, which includes enhancing Border Protection Corps brigades with reconnaissance, fire support, and unmanned aerial systems capabilities.