Polish border guards have uncovered an underground tunnel designed to help migrants illegally cross from Belarus into Poland — the latest sign of escalating efforts to breach one of Europe’s most technologically advanced border defenses. The tunnel, which reportedly began on the Belarusian side and extended around 20 meters into Polish territory, was discovered near a section of the steel barrier erected in 2022.

A Technological Shield on the Eastern Frontier

Since 2022, Poland’s border with Belarus — a key external frontier of the European Union — has been reinforced with a sophisticated multi-layered defense system. Beyond its imposing steel fence, the barrier integrates electronic sensors, seismic detectors, and AI-supported monitoring platforms that allow Polish Border Guard units to detect suspicious activity in real time.

These technologies form part of Poland’s wider security strategy against hybrid threats. Migrant crossings from Belarus, often seen by Warsaw and Brussels as part of a deliberate policy by the Belarusian regime to destabilize the EU, have decreased dramatically since the system’s deployment. However, the recent discovery of a tunnel demonstrates that attempts to circumvent the barrier continue — and are becoming increasingly creative.

Advanced Detection and Rapid Response

The Polish Border Guard employs modern perimeter systems capable of identifying movements of people or vehicles over long distances. One such system, known as AMSTA, combines video surveillance, infrared imaging, and vibration sensors to detect attempts at tampering or underground activity.

“Seismic detectors can sense underground digging long before a tunnel breaks through to the other side,” said an officer familiar with the system, quoted by local media. These sensors are complemented by drones and regular patrols, ensuring continuous surveillance across vast border zones.

The integration of technology has also allowed Poland to reduce manpower costs while increasing overall border efficiency. As one Border Guard representative explained, “Automation enables us to monitor hundreds of kilometers of border with fewer officers, but with far greater precision.”

The Broader Context — A Frontline of European Security

Poland’s 400-kilometer border with Belarus has become a testing ground for Europe’s hybrid defense strategies. Since the 2021 migrant crisis, when thousands attempted to enter the EU via Belarus, Warsaw has invested heavily in both physical infrastructure and cyber-security measures. The barrier — often described by Polish officials as a “digital wall” — is part of a broader effort to fortify the EU’s eastern frontier amid rising geopolitical tensions and ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.

European security experts note that while physical barriers remain vital, the success of modern border protection lies in integration: merging surveillance technology, AI-driven analysis, and rapid military support when needed.

As Poland continues to upgrade its border systems, the discovery of the Belarus-Poland tunnel serves as a reminder that migration pressures — and hybrid tactics — are evolving just as quickly as the defenses built to counter them.