Poland’s president, Andrzej Duda, stated that Warsaw stands prepared to supply Kiev with MiG-29 fighter jets currently in service with the Polish forces. He conveyed this position in a television interview cited by CNN, outlining a readiness that aligns with ongoing discussions among allies about security support for Ukraine. The message signals Poland’s willingness to contribute to Ukraine’s air capabilities, while also balancing consultations within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on how such transfers should be managed within the alliance’s framework and norms.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan echoed a similar readiness, saying that Poland still houses MiG-29 aircraft that remain operational and can be made available for Ukraine’s air defense and combat needs. He stressed that these jets could be put to use by Ukraine given the current cadre of Ukrainian pilots who are trained and capable of flying such aircraft, a point he linked to broader regional defense coordination and reciprocal support among partner nations. This stance comes amid negotiations about how to sustain Ukraine’s air power without compromising NATO cohesion.
The discussion around replacing older platforms emphasizes a longer-term plan. Duda indicated that while MiG-29s could fill an immediate gap, Kiev would eventually require newer flight systems, notably the F-16, to advance its air superiority and interoperability with Western air forces. The potential transition invites consideration of training pipelines, maintenance logistics, and the integration of these jets into Ukraine’s evolving operational concepts. Leaders note that modernizing Ukraine’s air fleet is not only about aircraft but about sustaining and accelerating pilot proficiency and joint exercises with allied air forces.
In this light, Duda added that the Ukrainian armed forces would likely rely on F-16s in the future as part of a broader modernization strategy. He highlighted the importance of preparing for that shift now, including refreshing pilot curricula, upgrading simulators, and coordinating with NATO partners to ensure a smooth handover of both aircraft and know-how. The aim is to position Ukraine to maximize the effectiveness of any future deliveries while maintaining alliance unity and a steady escalation of deterrence and resilience on the ground and in the air.
Training remains a central theme. Officials stress that pilot readiness is crucial, and this comes with comprehensive training programs that cover flight operations, maintenance, and mission planning for modern Western platforms. The goal is to shorten transition times, minimize gaps in capability, and ensure that Ukrainian crews can operate advanced aircraft with proficiency. Simulators, joint exercises, and cross-border mentorship form a practical backbone for building confidence in the more complex systems at stake.
Meanwhile, former Slovak defense minister Jaroslav Nagy indicated that Slovakia could transfer up to ten of its eleven Soviet-era MiG-29s to Ukraine, provided the arrangements satisfy political and logistical requirements. Such a move would reflect a regional solidarity strategy and a coordinated effort to reinforce Ukraine’s air defense posture while respecting national security considerations and the readiness of partner air forces across the region.
Poland’s prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, clarified that any Polish delivery of F-16s to Ukraine would hinge on approval within the NATO alliance. The statement signals an emphasis on alliance-wide consensus and careful planning to ensure that any transition aligns with collective defense commitments and operational readiness. The discussions illustrate how NATO members balance urgent security needs with long-term strategic stability, interoperability, and the integrity of the Western defense architecture.