Poland has crossed a critical threshold regarding the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets as part of its military support for Ukraine. According to a report by TVP World dated 14 January 2026, the decision has been taken at government level, and only the completion of final technical coordination is awaited before moving to the implementation phase.
Polish Ministry of National Defence State Secretary Paweł Zalewski, speaking on the programme On the Record, confirmed that the initial delivery would consist of fewer than 10 aircraft. While the maximum number has been cited publicly as 9 MiG-29s, it is stated that the first batch will be below this figure.
Emphasising that the political dimension of the process is now behind them, Zalewski noted that discussions are focused entirely on technical and logistical details. In this context, issues such as the current condition of the aircraft, maintenance and sustainment responsibilities, logistical planning, and coordination between the Polish and Ukrainian defence authorities are being addressed.
Kyiv Ready to Accept
According to Polish officials, the Ukrainian government is, in principle, receptive to receiving the MiG-29s. However, the clarification of technical standards is required before the transfer can begin in practice. Within this framework, Warsaw is awaiting final confirmations from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
Directly Linked to Poland’s Modernisation Plan
The MiG-29 transfer is viewed as part of Poland’s ongoing air force modernisation and inventory renewal process. Between 1989 and 2004, Poland inducted a total of 44 MiG-29s (36 single-seat and 8 MiG-29UB two-seat aircraft) into its inventory. As of 2024, only 14 aircraft from this fleet remain in service, all of which are planned to be gradually retired.
This gap is being filled by South Korean-built FA-50 light attack aircraft and US-built F-35 multirole fighter jets. Polish officials underline that the MiG-29s planned to be transferred to Ukraine are aircraft already slated for retirement, stressing that this step will not weaken Poland’s air defence capability.
UAV Technologies Also on the Table
According to statements by Paweł Zalewski, a broader framework of cooperation between Warsaw and Kyiv has also been under consideration since December. Within this scope, Poland is said to be interested in gaining access to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and counter-UAV technologies developed by Ukraine in exchange for the MiG-29s. However, it is emphasised that this issue is not a precondition for the transfer, but is being addressed as a parallel area of cooperation.
The Importance of the MiG-29 for Ukraine
Developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s, the MiG-29 made its first flight in 1977 and entered service in the early 1980s. Known for its speed exceeding Mach 2 and high manoeuvrability, the aircraft was primarily designed for air superiority and point air defence missions.
For Ukraine, the MiG-29 retains strategic importance due to its compatibility with existing pilot training, basing infrastructure, and maintenance and sustainment systems. Compared with next-generation aircraft, the integration of additional MiG-29s is assessed as a faster, lower-cost solution with reduced operational risk.
