Czech helicopters deployed to Poland to boost air defenses
Photo: alongside three Mi-171Sh helicopters, Czechia also sent troops to Poland (wikipedia.org)
On Sunday, September 14, three Czech Mi-171Sh helicopters landed in eastern Poland. They were deployed to strengthen NATO’s eastern defenses in response to Russian drone incursions into Polish territory, according to Ceske Noviny.
According to the Czech army, the helicopter unit will operate in Poland for several months, with its main task to support the Polish armed forces in defending airspace.
The Czech Ministry of Defence decided to deploy the unit on Wednesday evening.
"Three days later, one of the helicopters carried out a reconnaissance of the unit’s location. On Sunday, three helicopters flew to Poland and arrived at their destination this afternoon," the army said.
Lt. Gen. Vaclav Vlcek, commander of the Czech army’s Operational Command, called the deployment an important step in Alliance cooperation.
"It confirms Czechia's readiness to actively contribute to security in the region," he added.
Earlier, the ministry said the helicopters would help the Polish army defend against low-flying drones.
Defence Minister Jana Cernochova said on Sunday that up to 150 Czech troops would be sent for up to three months. On Monday, she added:
"We are fulfilling a promise to our close ally. Our troops are already in Poland and ready to help strengthen air defense on the country’s eastern border," Cernochova said.
Ceske Noviny noted the deployment was made possible by the mandate for the use of Czech defence forces in 2025 and 2026, approved by parliament last year. The mandate allows up to 2,000 Czech soldiers to reinforce NATO’s eastern border. Czech troops are already operating in Slovakia, Lithuania, and Latvia under this framework.
NATO strengthens Poland
On September 12, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of Operation Eastern Guard to reinforce Europe’s eastern flank in response to Russian drone incursions into Poland on the night of September 10.
As part of the operation, NATO countries are sending military equipment and forces to Poland. Recently, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed approval for the deployment of NATO troops to Poland.
