Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová said Czech troops with three helicopters could arrive in Poland within three days. She voiced support for Poland, citing shared history, civilizational values and concerns about the threat from Russia. Prague will also send 100 service members.
Germany plans to increase its presence as well, the dpa news agency reported. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said Berlin would “increase and intensify” fighter-jet monitoring of Polish airspace. Two German Eurofighters are currently stationed in Poland, and Berlin will double that number.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the French contribution in a post on X written in Polish.
“In response to the intrusion of Russian drones into Poland, I have decided to mobilize three Rafale fighters to support the protection of Polish airspace and the eastern flank of Europe with our NATO allies,” he wrote.
He added that he made this commitment to Poland’s prime minister on Wednesday and discussed it with the NATO secretary general and the British prime minister, who is also engaged in protecting the eastern flank.
The moves follow multiple violations of Polish airspace by drones during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday as Russia attacked Ukraine. Defensive procedures were activated, Polish and allied radar tracked more than a dozen objects, and aircraft shot down those that posed a threat.
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Source: Polskie Radio 24, PAP