MiG-29 aircraft for Ukraine
In the days ahead, Poland plans to place four MiG-29 fighters in service for Ukraine, while the remaining aircraft are being prepared and scheduled for transfer in sequence. The announcement came from President Andrzej Duda during a briefing in Warsaw after meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel.
The move was described as a decision made by top national authorities, later followed by a government resolution to formalize the transfer. Duda noted that Poland still has approximately a dozen MiG-29s in reserve, which are operational and used for airspace surveillance but are approaching the end of their service life. He emphasized that these MiGs can be flown by Ukrainian pilots without additional training, ensuring a smooth handover process.
According to Duda, the transfers will occur progressively to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He also mentioned that Soviet-era fighters will eventually be replaced by modern jets such as the Korean FA-50 and the American F-35 aircraft as part of a broader modernization effort.
A coalition of states?
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki suggested that the delivery of Polish MiGs to Ukraine could take place within roughly four to six weeks. In a CNN interview, President Duda said he was ready to hand over the aircraft, expressing confidence that Ukraine would utilize them immediately. A senior aide later clarified that the total number of planes would not be large, indicating Poland’s willingness to participate in a wider international coalition. The defense minister reaffirmed full alignment between the president and the government regarding the MiG-29 transfers.
There has been public discourse about regional support for Ukraine, including discussions in neighboring Slovakia about similar gestures. Poland’s fleet history with MiG-29s includes a period of 32 aircraft before incidents reduced the number; several jets entered service after being acquired from various partners, including the USSR, the Czech Republic, Germany, and other allies in the region. The current plan focuses on leveraging remaining airframes for immediate use while paving the way for future, more capable jets that secure air superiority and strengthen regional security commitments.
As global perspectives on security and alliance structures evolve, Poland’s stance underscores a proactive approach to collective defense. The ongoing dialogue with partners across North America and Europe reflects a broader strategy to deter aggression while maintaining credible support for Ukraine in line with shared security interests. Analysts note that the plan aligns with a gradual upgrade path, moving from older Soviet-era platforms to advanced Western aircraft, thereby enhancing interoperability with allied air forces.
In practical terms, the MiG-29s being offered are described as ready-to-fly by Ukrainian pilots without specialist training. This aspect helps minimize disruption to Ukrainian air operations and accelerates the integration of these assets into ongoing defense efforts. The phased handover also allows for careful risk management, ensuring that maintenance, logistics, and command-and-control systems stay coordinated with Ukraine’s existing military infrastructure.
The broader message from Warsaw is one of steady, collaborative action. Poland’s contribution is framed not as a one-off gesture, but as part of a sustained, multinational effort to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities while encouraging a cohesive response from allied partners. This approach seeks to balance immediate support with long-term strategic planning, including material updates that will gradually replace older aircraft with more capable platforms in the years ahead.