Operation “Horizon”: Poland deploys 10,000 troops to secure critical infrastructure and transport corridors

Poland is moving to significantly reinforce the security of its critical infrastructure and national transport network following a series of sabotage attempts targeting rail assets and strategic facilities. On 19 November 2025, the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Interior jointly announced the launch of Operation “Horizon”—a nationwide security effort with direct implications for the maritime, logistics and TSL sectors.

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19 november 2025 | 16:58 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. plut. Wojciech Król / MON

The initiative was presented during a briefing with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński, and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Wiesław Kukuła.

A coordinated response to hybrid threats

According to government officials, recent incidents—including attempts to disrupt rail infrastructure using explosive devices—demonstrate a rising level of hybrid activity targeting Poland’s transport and industrial backbone. The state’s answer: a consolidated, multi-service operation aimed at deterring, detecting and neutralising hostile actions.

Gen. Kukuła confirmed that up to 10,000 soldiers from all branches of the Polish Armed Forces will be deployed starting 21 November, supporting police, border guards and fire services.

The military’s mandate includes:

securing rail lines, bridges, energy nodes and industrial facilities;
supporting operational patrols in public spaces;
increasing reconnaissance and monitoring in regions with strategic logistics hubs;
assisting counter-sabotage and anti-diversion operations.

Record defence investments fuel operational readiness

Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that Poland’s defence budget—set to reach 200 billion PLN in 2026—enables unprecedented investment in readiness, mobility, and operational capacity.

Operation “Horizon” follows a series of large-scale actions carried out over the last two years, including Eastern Sentry, Baltic maritime patrols, and the Safe Podlasie initiative near the Belarusian border.

Officials emphasise that the new operation unifies command structures across participating services to ensure faster response and effective deterrence.

Why this matters to the maritime & logistics sector

For Poland’s maritime and logistics ecosystem—ports, terminals, intermodal operators, rail freight companies and TSL providers—the launch of “Horizon” signals a notable shift in national resilience strategy.

Key implications include:

1. Increased protection of logistics corridors

Rail–port connections, fuel pipelines, and industrial clusters feeding the Baltic maritime economy will receive intensified monitoring.

2. Enhanced security protocols around port-related supply chains

Security measures may extend to port perimeters, access roads, warehouse districts, and maritime transport interfaces.

3. Lower operational risk in the face of hybrid disruptions

Recent incidents illustrated vulnerabilities that could impact vessel schedules, cargo flows and inland transport continuity.

4. Stronger cooperation between military units and civilian operators

Authorities underline the importance of information-sharing between the Armed Forces and infrastructure owners, particularly regarding suspicious activity and threat intelligence.

A people-centric approach to national security

Minister Kierwiński highlighted that high-effectiveness operations at the eastern border—where Poland currently maintains over 98% interdiction efficiency against illegal crossings—were only possible thanks to joint multi-agency efforts.

Operation “Horizon” builds on that model, aiming not only to protect physical assets but also to increase public awareness of hybrid risks, disinformation campaigns and unusual activity near key sites.

A strategic message to the region

For international partners observing Poland’s security developments from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, Operation “Horizon” is a clear signal: critical infrastructure protection is becoming a frontline priority in Europe’s evolving security landscape.

The coming weeks will determine how the operation reshapes cooperation between defence forces, government agencies and industries that form the core of Poland’s—and Europe’s—logistics and maritime strength.

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Kamil Kusier
redaktor naczelny

operacja horyzont ministerstwo obrony narodowej bezpieczeństwo Bałtyku ochrona infrastruktury krytycznej władysław kosiniak-kamysz