Poland is planning a military command structure overhaul to better handle NATO’s new regional defense plans and address hybrid threats, including those from neighboring Belarus, according to a senior official. President Andrzej Duda announced the creation of a Joint Armed Forces Command on August 14, coinciding with a large military parade held to commemorate Armed Forces day.
The consolidation of leadership within the armed forces is expected to facilitate coordination with other NATO troops along the alliance’s eastern border, said Jacek Siewiera, head of Poland’s national bureau of security, in an interview with Reuters. Siewiera emphasized that as the host of the eastern flank, Poland would be able to integrate NATO troops and provide them with support through an effectively organized command structure.
The new command structure will also enable Poland to effectively utilize the significant equipment acquisitions made in response to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, Siewiera added. Over the past few weeks, Poland has announced plans to deploy thousands of troops to its border with Belarus due to concerns about the presence of battle-hardened Wagner mercenaries, invited by President Alexander Lukashenko.
Siewiera identified the adaptation to threats and risks originating from Belarus as a key priority. He emphasized the importance of addressing the potential increase in illegal border crossings by migrants, explaining that Poland experienced a significant influx of irregular migration from the east in 2021. The country accused Minsk of orchestrating the movement to exert pressure on the European Union by bringing people from the Middle East and Africa.
In recent weeks, there has been a slight increase in attempted border crossings, which Siewiera believes could be artificially promoted by Belarus to fuel the migration wave. Poland has faced criticism from human rights groups regarding its treatment of migrants at the border, particularly its policy of returning individuals to Belarus, despite Western allegations of Belarus “weaponizing” migration.
The Polish official’s statement highlights the need for the new command structure to address emerging challenges, such as hybrid threats, regional defense plans, and irregular migration. The changes aim to enhance cooperation with NATO forces, support allies along the eastern flank, and effectively respond to potential security risks.
Reporting by Justyna Pawlak, additional reporting by Alan Charlish; editing by Philippa Fletcher
Credit: The Star : News Feed
