One of the priorities of the Polish state is to strengthen the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces to deter and defend against threats to national security and as part of NATO's collective defence. This is due to the 2020 National Security Strategy of the Republic of Poland. This document defines the tasks in the field of strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland to deter and defend against security threats, referring, inter alia, directly to the tasks of the Territorial Defence Forces (WOT) in this area, by creating conditions for the development of general defence readiness throughout the territory of the country. In the light of the above, the research problem contained in the question: What role do the Territorial Defence Forces play in the process of deterrence and defence has been determined? The research made it possible to identify the essential components of deterrence and defence, as well as the tasks carried out by the Territorial Defence Forces in this area. The most important of them are the strengthening of the potential of the Polish Armed Forces, contribution to the process of building personnel reserves for the needs of national defence and preparation for combat in the area temporarily occupied by the enemy, as well as in the occupied territories. It is worth emphasizing the territorial nature of the formation and the resulting opportunities for the optimal use of the Territorial Defence Forces in shaping the security environment. A number of solutions have also been proposed that will significantly expand the existing possibilities and capacities of formation, in particular, concerning the modification of full-time structures in the distinction between P and W time, based on territorial command bodies. This article is analytical and problematic and is based on a qualitative research approach. The review, analysis and criticism of the content included peer-reviewed publications, applicable legal acts and other documents. This analysis was supported by elements of a case study relating to the implementation of some of the tasks that are part of deterrence and defence