East Front News #62: Poland invokes NATO's article 4; Sweden sends Archers to Ukraine

Poland invokes NATO article 4

Poland has formally invoked NATO’s Article 4 after Russian missile strikes on its territory, marking only the eighth use of this mechanism in the Alliance’s history. Unlike Article 5, which obliges collective defense, Article 4 is a political tool for urgent consultations when a member feels its security is threatened. Previous invocations have come during the Iraq War, the Syria conflict, Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and at the outset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Warsaw’s decision signals both the gravity of the current escalation and the need to rally allies around a shared assessment of the threat. 

For Poland, the priority now is to turn political unity into practical reinforcement: additional Patriot or SAMP/T batteries, AWACS surveillance aircraft, and fighter jet deployments to close urgent defence gaps. Article 3 of the NATO Treaty underlines that each ally must both strengthen its own capabilities and support others — a reminder that resilience on the eastern flank is a collective task. The coming days will show whether consultations produce real military commitments, a test of NATO’s resolve to deter further Russian aggression without crossing into Article 5’s threshold of collective defence. 

Author: dr Aleksander Olech

Sweden sends 18 Archers and more to Ukraine

The Prime Minister of Sweden has confirmed another package of military support for Ukraine. This twentieth aid tranche includes, among other things, the purchase of 18 new Archer systems as well as additional 155 mm ammunition worth 327 million dollars.

In addition to its assistance to Poland, Sweden will also provide significant military support to Ukraine. This time, Kyiv is set to receive, among other equipment, eighteen new Archer systems. With this delivery, Ukraine will possess a total of 44 of these systems.

The strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense will also involve the provision of radar sensors and command systems for Tridon Mk2 anti-aircraft systems. Sweden will further increase deliveries of programmable 40 mm anti-aircraft ammunition. The aid package also includes equipment worth nearly 13 million dollars, consisting of 500 motorcycles as well as air base support equipment (including trucks and tractors).

Author: Michał Górski

Polish soldiers to go to Ukraine for drone defence training

Poland has decided to send soldiers to Ukraine to take part in training on countering drones. The decision follows a series of violations of Polish airspace by Russian uncrewed aerial vehicles, some of which were shot down. Ukraine, with extensive experience in repelling large-scale drone attacks, will provide Polish troops with practical and tactical knowledge gained under real battlefield conditions. The training is intended not only to strengthen Poland’s defensive capabilities but also to improve early warning systems and response procedures against new threats. The move is part of broader efforts to deepen military cooperation between Warsaw and Kyiv. It underscores that Poland views drone incidents as a genuine challenge to the security of the state and NATO’s eastern flank. The decision also carries a symbolic dimension, signalling Poland’s readiness to actively draw on Ukraine’s experience while at the same time supporting its neighbour in the midst of an ongoing war. 

Author: Justyna Smoleń 

Belarus constructing secret military base

Satellite images reveal that in the southern part of Belarus, just 60 km from Minsk, construction of a new military base is underway. The facility is being built in complete secrecy. Experts suggest it may be a complex intended for Oreshnik ballistic missiles. This is yet another military installation being developed close to NATO’s borders.

According to journalists from Radio Svaboda, construction began as early as June 2024 and now covers more than 2 square kilometers. The Belarusian authorities have not mentioned it in any official documents, nor has it been reported by state or even local media. There are also no public records regarding the allocation of land for such a large-scale facility.

Author: Mateusz Mitkow

Poland will be the largest SAFE beneficiary

Poland will receive 43.7 billion euros in cheap loans under the EU SAFE instrument, the European Commission announced on Tuesday. This amount represents nearly one-third of the defence program’s €150 billion budget, making Poland its largest beneficiary. This is nearly three times more than second-largest recipient Romania with 16.7 billion. Poland secured almost its entire requested amount, having initially applied for 45 billion euros. By December, awarded countries must submit investment plans detailing exactly how they intend to use these funds. 

The allocated sum, which must be spent by 2030, will constitute a significant part of Poland’s defence budget in the coming years, as the country is expected to spend around 50 billion euros in 2026. In this context, the 10-year grace period for SAFE loan repayment may ease Poland’s already large deficit, which has been incurred partly by unprecedented defence spending. 

Author: Kacper Kremiec

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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.