Poland Considers Transferring Additional MiG-29 Fighter Jets to Ukraine

Poland is considering providing Ukraine with at least one additional squadron of MiG-29 fighters, consisting of at least 14 aircraft. This possibility was raised during the signing of a security guarantee agreement between Ukraine and Poland, as reported by the Ukrainian president’s website.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained that an immediate transfer was not possible, as the aircraft are currently participating in NATO air patrol programs, according to Militarnyi.

This consideration builds on previous support from Poland, which transferred 14 of its MiG-29 fighters to the Ukrainian defense forces last year.

As Ukraine awaits initial delivery of F-16s from its allies, the Soviet-era MiG-29 Fulcrum continues to be the primary fighter aircraft operated by the Ukrainian Air Force.

The 2023 transfer required German approval, as 23 of the Polish MiG-29 fighters had originally been purchased from Germany in 2002. These aircraft had been inherited by the Bundeswehr from the German Democratic Republic’s military. One MiG-29 remains in Germany as an exhibit at the Aviation Museum at Gatow Airfield in West Berlin.

As of 2024, the Polish Army still has 14 MiG-29 fighters in service, including 11 MiG-29A and 3 MiG-29UB versions. However, these Soviet-era aircraft no longer meet Poland’s modern needs, with F-16 fighters currently protecting the country’s airspace.

Poland is preparing to further modernize its air force, with plans to receive modern American F-35 fighters from 2026. In 2020, the country signed a contract for 32 F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

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