Czech helicopters took off over Poland after Russian attack

Czech military helicopters stationed in Poland took off early Saturday as a precaution after Russia launched large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Outgoing Defence Minister Jana Černochová (Civic Democrats) told Czech Television that the helicopters did not need to intervene, as no threat to Polish airspace was ultimately confirmed.

According to the Ukrainian military, 30 missiles and 585 drones were destroyed during the overnight attack on Ukraine. However, Polish territory was not hit.

The Czech Republic deployed three upgraded Mil Mi-17 helicopters to Poland in September, following earlier incursions of Russian drones into Polish airspace.