On Monday, January 8th, the press service of the Czech Republic’s armed forces (Armáda České republiky, AČR) announced on social media that, as part of bolstering NATO’s eastern flank, the Air Force (Vzdušné síly) will deploy three Mi-171Š transport helicopters along with approximately one hundred soldiers in Poland.
Photo: AČR
The helicopters and military personnel will come from the 22nd Helicopter Base Biskajská located in Náměšť nad Oslavou, in the Vysočina region. Stationed there are the 221st Helicopter Squadron, currently equipped with 4 Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, 2 Bell UH-1Y Venom multi-role helicopters, 13 Mi-35 attack helicopters, and 4 Mi-171Š transport helicopters, as well as the 222nd Helicopter Squadron with 11 Mi-171Š helicopters.
The 1st Task Force (ÚU) Heli Unit Poland will be responsible for performing air transport missions (transporting soldiers and materials) and reconnaissance.
Necelá stovka vrtulníkářů z Náměště posílí @Poland_MOD. Heli Unit s Mi-171Š s rampou bude zajišťovat výsadky, vzdušné průzkumy a přepravu osob a materiálu. Poprvé s nimi vysíláme i jejich aktivní záložáky. Posilujeme východní křídlo Aliance! #WeAreNATO #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/DGKldgUdp5
— Armáda ČR (@ArmadaCR) January 8, 2024