East Front News #56: Poland Charges Russian Agent, Piorun for Estonia, 40 bln from SAFE

81st Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising: Honoring the Fight for Poland's Freedom

On 1 August 1944, the Warsaw Uprising began—one of the most significant and tragic acts of resistance in occupied Europe during World War II. Led by the Home Army (Armia Krajowa), the uprising was a bold effort to liberate Warsaw from German occupation ahead of the Soviet advance. For 63 days, Polish resistance fighters—joined by civilians, young scouts, and underground units—fought bravely, often with inadequate weapons, against a far superior and brutal enemy. Though ultimately crushed, the uprising remains a symbol of Polish defiance, patriotism, and the desire for sovereign self-determination. 

As Poland marks the 81st anniversary, citizens are called to pause at „W” Hour—5:00 p.m.—to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who rose in defense of their homeland. In Warsaw and across the country, sirens wail, traffic halts, and people stand in silence to honor the fallen. The uprising is not only a chapter in Polish history but a living memory that continues to shape the nation’s identity. Today, „honor and glory to the heroes” is more than a phrase—it is a reaffirmation of national pride, resilience, and the enduring importance of historical truth. 

How is Poland strengthening its national security with SAFE?

On Tuesday Minister of Defence – Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that Poland has submitted a preliminary declaration to obtain a loan of €40 billion under the SAFE program. According to Deputy Prime Minister the fund is intended to strengthen the key capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces and the implementation of security initiatives, including the „Eastern Shield” program. At this stage, it remains unclear how much funding will ultimately be allocated to Poland, as it depends on the total number of applications submitted and the European Commission’s distribution of funds among Member States. 

Together with Poland, eighteen member states applied for the fund, including Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. In total, countries requested for €127 bln. 

SAFE was launched this May, after the Trump administration signalled that Europe is no longer a security priority for Washington. The European Commission will be called upon to issue up to €150 bln of funding until the end of the decade to help EU Member States increase expenditure on common defence procurement. This is the largest investment fund dedicated to the defence sector, aimed at strengthening European sovereignty and responsibility for collective security. It should certainly be seen as a catalyst for enhancing Europe’s military capabilities and overall security architecture. Nevertheless, this is only the drop in the ocean and military spending alone is not everything. Every member state needs to invest more in education, military trainings, building shelters and improving the social resilience and preparedness to create a comprehensive security system. 

Author: Amelia Wojciechowska 

Estonia Expands Air Defense with Additional Piorun Missile Launchers from Poland

Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has announced the country’s decision to acquire an additional batch of Piorun man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) from Poland. The move, disclosed in an interview with Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR), highlights Estonia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national defense amid growing regional security concerns. The systems are manufactured by Mesko S.A., based in Skarżysko-Kamienna, and their selection reflects both operational confidence in the product and a broader alignment with NATO-standard capabilities. A detailed overview of Estonia’s evolving defense posture is expected to follow in a separate comprehensive strategy update. 

This new order follows an earlier purchase in September 2022, when Estonia secured 100 Piorun launchers and 300 missiles, with deliveries ongoing through 2025. Earlier this year, Estonian forces conducted successful live-fire tests at the Rutja military training ground, reporting a 100% hit rate, underscoring the system’s reliability and combat-readiness. Tallinn’s decision to deepen its cooperation with the Polish defense sector also represents a strategic alignment within the region, where countries like Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine are also investing in similar capabilities to deter aerial threats, especially in the face of evolving drone warfare and missile risks. 

Developed by Mesko, in collaboration with CRW Telesystem-Mesko and the Military University of Technology, the Piorun system is a next-generation improvement over the earlier Grom missile. It features enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures, a proximity fuse, and the ability to lock onto low-signature aerial targets, such as UAVs, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft, at ranges between 400 meters and 6.5 kilometers, and altitudes of 10 meters to 4 kilometers. With users now spanning Poland, Ukraine, Norway, Georgia, the U.S., and others, Estonia’s continued investment signals growing trust in this battle-proven system and further cements Poland’s role as a key defense supplier in Europe. 

Authors: Adam Świerkowski, Aleksander Olech 

Poland Charges Agent in Russian Sabotage Case

A 27-year-old Colombian man has been charged by Polish prosecutors with acts of terrorism for carrying out two arson attacks in May 2024—one in Warsaw and another in Radom—under the direction of Russian intelligence. According to Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW), the suspect received detailed instructions, including how to assemble Molotov cocktails and which transportation methods to use. Polish authorities say the operation was overseen and financed by a figure tied to Russian special services. The man was already in custody in Prague, where he was sentenced in June 2025 to eight years in prison for a similar Russian-directed arson attack on a bus depot and an attempted attack on a shopping mall in the Czech Republic. He pleaded guilty in that case and has partially confessed to the Polish charges, which carry a sentence of 10 years to life if convicted. 

The investigation is being led by the ABW’s Radom branch and coordinated by the National Prosecutor’s Office. A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been established through Eurojust, with participation from Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Lithuania, to respond to a growing wave of Russian-backed sabotage targeting key infrastructure across Central and Eastern Europe. Authorities view the attacks as part of a broader campaign by Moscow, with one Polish official stating that „Russia views Poland as a country that de facto is involved in the war”—a reference to Poland’s strong support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. 

Author: dr Aleksander Olech

Tusk: We will not invest in foreign equipment indefinitely

We will not invest Polish money in foreign equipment indefinitely, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk after a briefing with the heads of military research institutes.

„Our security in the near future and in the longer term will depend primarily on what is born in our minds. Today, wars are won by smarter, better-equipped, more technologically advanced armies, armies that can use the latest technology, whether it be artificial intelligence or drones” - said the prime minister, who visited the Air Force Institute of Technology in Warsaw on Wednesday.

Author: Jakub Borowski

Poland's Drone Revolution Gains Momentum with New PLN 200 Million in Investments

Drawing key lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, Cezary Tomczyk, has announced that the Polish Armed Forces are entering a new era described as a „Drone Revolution.” This year alone, PLN 200 million is expected to be allocated for the purchase of drones and related training systems.

In addition, the Vice-Minister revealed plans to establish a Drone Center, which will be responsible for the testing, development, and implementation of unmanned systems across all domains: land, air, and sea.

Russia Won't Strike in 2027 — U.S. Bracing for Worst-Case Scenario, Says Ex-Polish General

„There is no reason for us to scare each other, but we must remain truly vigilant and concentrated,” said the Prime Minister, Donald Tusk. As an independent security expert, I recognize the value of this statement for its concern for national security, but I also see a need to clarify its broader strategic context, writes for Defence24.pl General (Ret.) Dr. Jarosław Gromadziński.

Full Text of gen (ret.) dr Jarosław Gromadziński is HERE.

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East Front News is a weekly newsletter and article on Defence24.com summarizing the past week’s most important events concerning security and the situation in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes original opinions and comments, along with key news items significant from a Polish perspective.

Aleksander Olech, Jakub Palowski, Deputy Ed. in Chief and Michał Górski