By Wojciech Kosc in Warsaw
The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced a €300mn loan to Poland’s state-owned development bank BGK for the development and launch of two Earth observation satellites, the EIB's new President Nadia Calvino said in Warsaw on May 20.
The satellites will provide high-resolution imagery for both civilian and defence applications in Poland, the latter in line with the country’s plan to help roll out the EU’s air defence system dubbed “iron dome”.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on May 18 that Warsaw’s participating in the development of the satellite-backed air defence system is a part of the bigger national strategy to boost defence and deterrence capabilities against Russia and its ally Belarus.
Poland is growing increasingly worried that Russia could one day target it once – and if – it defeats Ukraine. Poland borders with Russia’s EU exclave known as the Kaliningrad Region and with Russia’s ally Belarus.
The EIB-financed project includes the design, assembly, testing, and launch of two satellites, as well as the establishment of two ground stations for satellite control and image downloading.
The Polish Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and the Polish Space Agency will utilise the images. The satellites are expected to become operational by 2028.
“Our priorities are fully aligned,” Calvino, at the EIB's helm since January, told a press conference.
“Poland’s first earth observation satellite system will support a number of initiatives for dual, civil and security use. It follows the launch of the EIB Group’s new Action Plan to step up our support for Europe’s security and defence industry,” Calvino also said.
The EIB Group's Security and Defence Industry Action Plan aims to increase investment in Europe’s security and defence sector. This plan includes the creation of a dedicated security and defence department at the EIB to streamline financial support and expert assistance, with €6 billion in funding available.
Other than the satellites, Poland also plans to build fortifications along its borders with Belarus and Russia to make them “secure in peacetime and impassable for enemies in wartime,” Tusk said last week. Poland earmarked €2.4bn for the purpose.
