Poland is in talks with Ukraine to transfer MiG-29 fighter jets to the country defending itself against Russian aggression in exchange for access to drone technologies.
Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Trojka radio on Wednesday, December 10, that Warsaw wants to conclude the talks as soon as possible.
According to the minister, the MiG-29s will eventually leave service with Poland’s air force as they reach the end of their lifespan. “We are negotiating with Ukraine on the transfer of MiG-29 aircraft. At the same time, we are discussing the transfer to Poland of technologies — such as UAV technologies. This solidarity must be two-way,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
The General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces said the potential handover is tied to a lack of modernization prospects for these aging, Soviet-era models.
Poland’s aging MiG-29s will be replaced by F-16s and FA-50s.
The General Staff confirmed that talks with Kyiv include transferring selected drone and missile technologies to Warsaw.
In a statement released on the evening of December 9, the General Staff said delivering MiG-29s to Kyiv “will be part of allied policy to support Ukraine and ensure the security of NATO’s eastern flank.” Poland plans to replace the retired MiG-29s with American F-16s and South Korean FA-50s. In addition, Poland expects delivery from the United States of 32 F-35 fighters.
According to media reports, Poland’s armed forces currently have 14 MiG-29s in service.
