Czech Republic Deploys Helicopters, Troops to Poland

(MENAFN) Poland's Armed Forces confirmed the arrival of Czech Mi-171S helicopters and personnel on Saturday, a move aimed at bolstering the nation's defenses against Russian drone threats. The deployment, which includes up to 150 soldiers and three helicopters, is part of a three-month mission.

"Soldiers from the Czech Republic have just landed in Poland. This is proof that allied solidarity, security, and friendship are built shoulder to shoulder," the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces stated via the US-based social platform X.

The decision to send the Czech contingent follows recent developments in Polish airspace, including an incident in which 19 Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish territory. Media reports that NATO air defenses intercepted several of the drones, triggering emergency discussions in Warsaw and a swift response from allied nations.

This deployment comes on the heels of NATO’s announcement that its aircraft shot down multiple Russian drones, marking what officials described as the largest violation of Polish airspace since the start of the Ukraine war.

In a broader display of regional unity, several NATO members, including the Netherlands and Sweden, have pledged to send additional air defense systems to reinforce Poland's defenses.

In response to the rising tensions, Russia claimed that its military operations were focused on Ukraine and that no intent to target Poland existed.

In response to increasing concerns over Russian activities, NATO also launched the Eastern Sentry initiative, aimed at strengthening the alliance's defenses along its eastern flank.

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