Poland raises alert level and prepares for worst-case scenarios against Russian threats

Poland has raised its alert level in response to new Russian threats, preparing for worst-case scenarios with shelter construction, anti-drone systems, and new military equipment. Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of unprecedented drone and missile attacks near the eastern border. Recent incidents include a Russian drone striking a Kyiv-Warsaw train locomotive near Polish territory on September 13, another drone with explosives found on a Baltic beach, and a jet-powered device exploding near the border. Poland has increased sirens in Lublin from 30 to nearly 350, with over 1,000 planned by year-end, and is deploying Cell Broadcast alert technology. Poland spends nearly 5% of GDP on defense, the highest in NATO, with over 200,000 troops aiming for 300,000 by 2035. The "Eastern Shield" program fortifies 750 kilometers of border with Kaliningrad and Belarus, while the SAN anti-drone system, ordered after September 2025 incursions, will be delivered within two years.