The Czech Republic will deploy a helicopter unit and up to 150 personnel to Poland to help counter drones after Russian aircraft entered Polish airspace this week.

The Czech Republic is sending a unit of helicopters to Poland to reinforce air defences after Russian drones violated Polish airspace. The Czech defence ministry said the aircraft would help the Polish army defend against low-altitude drones. Czech defence minister Jana Černochová, who spoke with Poland’s defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said assistance would arrive within days to demonstrate unity towards Russia. Poland’s chief of the general staff, Wiesław Kukuła, thanked Prague and praised the pilots and special operations helicopters being dispatched.

Czech chief of general staff Karel Řehka said the unit would be deployed for up to three months, accompanied by up to 150 personnel depending on needs. The same unit previously supported Poland during last year’s catastrophic floods and joined a NATO mission strengthening the alliance’s eastern flank.

On the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, around 20 Russian drones entered Poland’s airspace, with some downed by Polish and allied forces in the first NATO air-defence action on alliance territory. After the threat was neutralised, Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, said Warsaw would trigger NATO’s Article 4, which launches consultations when a member’s security is at risk. NATO secretary general Mark Rutte and many leaders condemned Russia’s actions. Under Czech law, foreign deployments require parliamentary approval; a 2024 mandate valid until 2026 permits sending up to 2,000 personnel to reinforce the eastern flank.

Source: Notes from Poland