NextFin news, On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the Czech Republic sent three helicopters to Poland to strengthen the defense of Poland's eastern border after multiple Russian drones violated Polish airspace. The helicopters, from the 22nd Helicopter Aviation Base in Náměšť nad Oslavou, arrived in Poland to support NATO's eastern flank airspace security.
The deployment was announced by the Czech Armed Forces on social media, stating that Czech pilots would soon begin protecting Polish airspace. The Polish General Staff confirmed the helicopters' arrival and noted that soldiers from this Czech unit had previously assisted Poland during last year's floods in southwestern regions.
This move follows a series of incursions by Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Poland, including an incident on the night of September 10, 2025, when at least 19 Russian drones crossed into Polish territory, many originating from Belarus. The drone debris damaged a residential house near the village of Wyryki close to the Belarus-Ukraine border, though no casualties were reported.
In response to these violations, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Friday, September 12, 2025, the launch of the "Eastern Sentry" mission to bolster defense along NATO's eastern flank. This mission involves forces from Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other allies.
Polish authorities have condemned the drone attacks as deliberate acts by Russia and have sought consultations with NATO allies under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated in the Bundestag that the drone incursions appeared intentional rather than accidental.
The Russian Ministry of Defense denied planning to target Polish territory. Meanwhile, the Polish military received warnings from Belarus about UAV movements prior to the incursions.
The Czech helicopter deployment aims to enhance airspace surveillance and defense capabilities amid heightened tensions on NATO's eastern border, reflecting allied solidarity and coordinated response to security threats in the region.
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