The goal of this paper is to analyse challenges related to protecting Polish critical infrastructure (CI) against air threats, such as UAVs, as a case study in a wider discussion on protection of critical infrastructure worldwide. The Polish legal definition of critical infrastructure and laws regarding the protection of such facilities are explained in the article in order to provide context. A review of scientific literature and open-source analysis of known air attacks on CI and the capabilities of air platforms are also included, with special attention being paid to unmanned systems. The threats themselves have been divided into two groups of scenarios: peacetime threats and crisis situations that have hybrid wartime scenarios. Depending on the scenario, the different capabilities of actors must be taken into account. Peacetime air threats include the use of commercially available drones. Those devices have limited capabilities, in terms of weaponisation, due to the limited weight of their cargo and the flight range. More advanced devices, including custom–built drones and military systems, can be supplied and used by state actors. Therefore, there are different requirements regarding protection systems. In peacetime, anti-drone systems are certainly recommended due to their capabilities and safety of use for bystanders. In more dangerous scenarios, typical military systems, including Very Short-Range Air Defence, Short-Range Air Defence and Medium Range Air Defence systems have to be employed or dedicated kinetic counter-drone systems deployed.

The article describes the problems of polish military forces in the context of a relatively new type of threat, commonly described as "hybrid warfare". The first step of the analysis is a description of such threat, based on data gathered by polish and foreign analytical centers. The next step is a presentation of the current state of polish military forces-in terms of doctrine, organization, training and materiel (e .g. equipment). This kind of data analysis offers relevant information about defense capabilities that the polish armed forces have and those which they lack. These capabilities are then compared to the challenges posed by hybrid warfare, thus providing insights on potential new capabilities which should be acquired as well as those which are unnecessary in the context of hybrid war .

Security of energy supplies to Poland by sea The article describes issue of security of delivery of energy sources – Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and oil to Poland by the maritime routes. Poland currently uses one LNG terminal and one major oil import terminal, and further developments – Baltic Pipe pipeline from North Sea and another LNG terminal are planned. Security of those routes depends on various factors from security of terminals, safe passage of tankers and required using multiple elements, including security and law enforcement services, naval forces and air defence systems to provide reliable delivery of oil and LNG in case of peace, crisis and war.

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The article aims to analyze the chances and challenges related to the military security of states surrounding the Baltic Sea. Notably, the problem of the protection of maritime traffic and other sea-related economic activities shall be described. Particular attention shall be given to possible scenarios of “hybrid warfare.” Based on possible threats characteristics, several aspects of changes in organizations and ways of employment of naval forces, border, and coast guard forces and special operations forces.