Poland is considering transferring six to eight MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, which are planned to be retired from the Polish army by the end of December, Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk said on 14 December.
Possible transfer of MiG-29s
Tomczyk clarified that the Polish Air Force currently has 14 MiG-29 aircraft on its books, but only six to eight of them can be transferred, because their service life allows them to be safely used until the end of 2025.
These aircraft will leave the Polish army at the end of December. They could end up in a museum, be sold or decommissioned, or they could go to Ukraine and help in destroying our enemies. In my view, the situation seems quite obvious, but a decision has not yet been made
– Cezary Tomczyk
Reactions and negotiations
According to a Defence Ministry representative, since it is impossible to extend the service life of these aircraft, their transfer will not affect the combat capability of the Polish armed forces. Tomczyk added that the topic will likely be raised during the meeting of the presidents of Poland and Ukraine on 19 December.
We must close this issue. As the MiGs are becoming outdated, we should continue to make good use of them
– Cezary Tomczyk
- On 10 December the Polish Armed Forces confirmed talks with Ukraine on the transfer of MiG-29s that have reached their target service life.
- President of Poland Karol Nawrocki said he does not have information about the transfer of these aircraft to Ukraine.
- On 12 December the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland said that this concerns an exchange of equipment, not a simple transfer.
