Poland to Transfer MiG-29 Fighters to Ukraine
Poland is set to transfer its remaining MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine in January-February of next year. This will enhance Ukraine’s air defense, enabling it to intercept Russian missiles and counteract aircraft that carry missiles and guided bombs.
This was stated by Janusz Onyszkiewicz, a Polish expert and former Minister of National Defense, in a comment to Ukrinform.
"I believe the decision has already been made. The actual transfer of aircraft will occur in January or February, as it requires appropriate technical preparation," Onyszkiewicz emphasized, noting that this pertains to a squadron of approximately 12-16 planes.
According to him, technical issues still need to be resolved, specifically what types of technology Poland would like to receive in exchange from Ukraine.
"Ukraine is at the highest global level in drone technology, and this has been proven in combat," he added.
Onyszkiewicz pointed out that acquiring such experience is extremely valuable for Poland, especially in missile technology, as Poland aims to develop medium and long-range missiles and implement a space program.
The transfer of Polish aircraft to Ukraine is expected to be significant for strengthening the Ukrainian air defense system.
"This will not lead to a drastic change in the situation, but Ukrainian forces will certainly feel the impact of these additional aircraft. MiGs are suitable for intercepting enemy missiles, and they can also counter Russian aviation that strikes Ukraine with missiles and guided bombs," the expert noted.
As Onyszkiewicz mentioned, Russia's fleet of fifth-generation aircraft is decreasing as Ukrainian forces successfully destroy them. Thus, Russia is increasingly relying on older fourth-generation aircraft (MiG-29, MiG-35) for launching missiles and guided bombs.
"Intercepting Russian aircraft that can carry such combat means is a very important issue for Ukraine. This can significantly strengthen Ukraine's air defense," the Polish expert emphasized.
According to reports, the Polish General Staff announced that Poland plans to transfer its remaining MiG-29 aircraft, which are being phased out, in exchange for technologies related to drone and missile production.
As per Polish media reports, there are currently 14 MiG-29 aircraft of various types still in service with the Polish army. By 2025, they are expected to continue performing combat duties. Notably, on October 28, 30, and 31 of this year, Polish MiG-29 fighters successfully intercepted Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stated that Ukraine is in dire need of Polish weaponry, particularly the Piorun MANPADS, Krab self-propelled howitzers, and MiG-29s.
In an interview with Ukrinform, the acting Chargé d'Affaires of Poland in Ukraine, Piotr Lukasiewicz, noted that Poland would transfer the remaining MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine when it "fills the gaps" created by their transfer.
The Polish President's Office informed at the end of last year that after the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, Poland provided the largest military, material, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees relative to GDP - nearly 5% of its GDP, including 320 tanks, 250 infantry fighting vehicles, and 14 MiG-29 aircraft.
