Poland is set to make a decision regarding the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine within the next few weeks. The deputy defense minister confirmed discussions on an exchange, stating, “We are talking about a swap; we send MiGs… Obviously, if the Ukrainians want to repair them, we are also ready for that. We send the MiGs, and the Ukrainian side provides drones.”
The Ukrainian government has submitted a “concrete proposal” to Warsaw detailing which drones could be exchanged for the MiG fighters. After reviewing this proposal, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz will make a final decision, according to Deputy Minister Wojciech Skurkiewicz.
Skurkiewicz assured that this matter would be resolved quickly, emphasizing that Bulgaria is also awaiting Poland’s decision. “This issue will be resolved in a matter of weeks,” he stated.
Context
- Poland initially planned to transfer a squadron of MiG-29s to Ukraine several years ago, but that shipment did not occur.
- In December 2025, the Polish Ministry of Defense indicated that it could transfer six to eight MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, aimed at withdrawing them from the Polish Armed Forces. This also involved discussions about exchanging aircraft for access to specific drone technology.
- In mid-June 2026, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk noted that the delivery of MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine would only be feasible after a bilateral agreement on technology exchange between Warsaw and Kyiv is signed.
- Former Polish Defense Minister Janusz Onyszkiewicz previously mentioned Bulgaria’s interest in the Polish MiG-29s.
