Poland is moving forward with preparations to transfer up to nine MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, with the first batch expected to be delivered once outstanding technical arrangements are finalized. While earlier expectations pointed to ten aircraft, Polish officials have clarified that the initial delivery will include fewer than that number due to technical considerations related to aircraft condition and readiness.
The decision to proceed with the transfer has already been approved at the Polish government level and is now focused on coordination with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Speaking on the On the Record program, Paweł Zalewski, Secretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of National Defence, confirmed that preparations are well underway and emphasized that remaining discussions are logistical rather than political in nature.
Zalewski explained that Warsaw is awaiting final confirmation from Ukrainian defense authorities on issues such as maintenance responsibilities, logistics support, and operational status of the MiG-29 aircraft. He noted that Ukraine has effectively agreed to accept the fighters, with only routine technical clarifications still required. The aircraft under consideration are aging MiG-29s nearing the end of their service life in the Polish Air Force.
The transfer aligns with Poland’s broader military modernization strategy, which includes retiring legacy Soviet-era platforms while expanding its fleet with FA-50 light combat aircraft and future F-35 multirole fighters. Polish officials have stressed that the handover will not undermine national air defense capabilities. The MiG-29 transfer also forms part of wider discussions with Kyiv, including potential cooperation on Ukrainian drone and counter-drone technologies, reinforcing Poland’s long-term support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
