Poland: EUR 24 billion for shelters and civil defence to 2031; Patriot batteries to be deployed in Lublin region, next to Ukraine

Poland’s Council of Ministers has approved the Population Protection and Civil Defence Programme for 2027-2031, worth PLN 102.4 billion (about USD 26.4 billion), the government announced on October 6. A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the deployment of Patriot batteries in the Lublin region, which borders Ukraine.

“That is five years of guaranteed funding for civil defence. During that time we will invest PLN 102.4 billion, of which about PLN 30 billion will go to the regions and local governments,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. The sum is equivalent to about EUR 24 billion. The money is earmarked for shelters and protective spaces, warning systems and secure communications, cybersecurity, ensuring water and energy supply, and rescue and medical equipment. Local governments will have a say in the type of investment, “whether it is a shelter, a fire station or telecommunications,” according to Tusk.

The new programme continues the measures of 2025-2026. According to the government, the aim is to develop the infrastructure and reserves that ensure the continuity of the state and essential services in crises, including armed conflict.

Patriot batteries and new units in Lublin

Kosiniak-Kamysz said on October 5 that the Patriot deployment plan, drawn up with the military leadership, is meant to protect the Lublin region and ensure the safety of air traffic at the region’s airport. He also announced that new military formations, including unmanned systems forces, will be established there.

Warsaw has repeatedly reported violations of its airspace by Russia, such as that of a Russian helicopter in September. From December, a Swedish Patriot unit is to be deployed in Poland to protect the NATO hub that serves aid to Ukraine.