Czech Viper helicopters resume operations in Poland

Czech Army’s Viper helicopters are back on standby in Poland, the Defence Ministry said Monday. The H-1 fleet was grounded after a Venom helicopter crashed in Czechia in July, killing one servicewoman and injuring four soldiers. The helicopters returned to service after technical checks and crew training.

The Czech Heli Unit has been helping protect Polish airspace under a bilateral agreement since September 2025. Its deployment this year followed Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace.

Military police are investigating the July crash, which occurred as the US-made helicopter was landing after a routine training flight. A Defence Ministry commission is also investigating the accident.