Photo: Wikipedia
Poland may transfer two MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine as its armed forces gradually phase out the aircraft, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced on October 30.
He made the announcement during a visit to the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base in Mirosławiec. Poland expects to receive Ukrainian drone technology in return.
“Poland is preparing another aid package for Ukraine. The scale of our support is limited by the security needs of the Polish state and the resources of the armed forces, as determined by the chief of the General Staff,” the Polish Ministry of National Defence said.
The ministry added that the package would include equipment being retired by the Polish military — hardware nearing the end of its service life that would no longer be used by Poland but could still be useful to Ukraine.
According to the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita, one of the two fighter jets is still airworthy, while the other has already reached the end of its service life.
In addition to the aircraft, Poland is expected to provide Ukraine with artillery ammunition in 155mm and 152mm calibers, as well as 20mm and 102mm ammunition for the six-barrel guns used on F-16 fighter jets, including to shoot down Russian drones.
In September, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced a new Polish military aid package worth approximately €50 million.
Poland previously transferred 14 MiG-29s to Ukraine in 2022 and 2023. The retired aircraft are being replaced in the Polish military by F-16s and the first 12 South Korean FA-50 fighters, which are expected to reach full operational readiness in 2026.
Kosiniak-Kamysz has previously said that transferring equipment to Ukraine would also benefit Poland, as Warsaw would receive drone and missile technologies in return.
