UK Defence Ministry details advanced helicopter training for Poland - EXCLUSIVE
The first of 8 Polish military helicopter pilots will begin training in the UK this summer, said Eoin Scarlett, Press Officer at the UK Ministry of Defence, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
"This will be delivered through the NATO Flight Training Europe programme. The pilots will undertake world-class helicopter training at RAF Shawbury. This will include advanced training to prepare them for their future roles flying attack helicopters," said Scarlett.
He noted that two Polish instructors will also be stationed at RAF Shawbury from October 2026, contributing to wider helicopter training output across UK Defence.
Earlier, the UK and Poland had agreed to explore the development and procurement of new capabilities to counter a range of air threats, as well as how to encourage the establishment of new manufacturing capacity in Europe.
Under the agreement, the British and Polish militaries will train together in virtual environments to improve air defence coordination without the cost and danger of live exercises.
The enhanced training will boost Euro-Atlantic security and will be delivered as part of the UK-led NATO initiative known as Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences (DIAMOND).
The UK and Poland also agreed at today’s meeting in Downing Street between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish President Karol Nawrocki to enhance their helicopter training cooperation.
From this summer, the first of eight Polish military helicopter pilots will begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) programme. They will be joined by two experienced Polish helicopter instructors who will be permanently stationed in RAF Shawbury for a full rotational tour.
The pilots will undertake world-class helicopter training at RAF Shawbury, including advanced training to prepare them for their future roles flying attack helicopters.
Photo: Wikipedia
This interview was prepared by Julian Müller
