Czech Republic sends 3 helicopters to bolster Polish army, NATO’s eastern flank
The Czech Republic has provided three multi-role helicopters and 100 air-force personnel to strengthen the Polish army and NATO’s eastern flank over the next year, according to officials.
A Mi-171 helicopter from the Czech army.X/Polska Zbrojna
The unit, referred to as Task Force HIPPO Polska, arrived at the Powidz air base in central Poland last week, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
It consists of three Mi-171 „Hip” multi-role helicopters from the Czech army, and a 100-strong team of pilots, engineers and logistics officers, according to authorities in Prague.
The Mi-171 helicopters can be used for reconaissance, transport and as armed gunships, among other uses, experts said.
The Czech team is tasked with supporting Poland’s special forces and strengthening the defence of NATO’s eastern flank, the PAP news agency reported.
It’s one-year spell in Poland is part of wider cooperation between the special forces of Central and Eastern European nations, Polish army said.
This year, the special forces of CEE countries held joint exercises in Slovakia, the PAP news agency reported.
Source: PAP, Altair, Portal Obronny
