Ukraine and Poland begin modernization of MiG-29 fighter jets
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine and Poland will jointly work on modernizing MiG-29 fighter jets to increase their effectiveness and ability to strike enemy targets, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reports.
Fedorov held a conversation with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
"I thanked our partners for their strategic support of Ukraine. Poland plays a key logistical role — about 90% of international aid passes through its territory, including assistance aimed at strengthening Ukraine's energy resilience," the defense minister said.
The ministers focused on the following areas of cooperation:
- Joint defense projects and European mechanisms. Fedorov thanked Poland for its participation in PURL and its readiness to jointly implement defense projects with a focus on drone development. He separately noted the role of the NATO–Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC) in Poland as a platform for analyzing war experience, exchanging knowledge, and implementing NATO standards.
- Strengthening short-range air defense. Polish technologies are already an important part of Ukraine's short-range air defense. The sides are ready to further develop cooperation and expand radar coverage.
- Aviation capabilities. The transfer of MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine was discussed separately as an important component of air defense. Poland has already transferred such fighter jets in 2023. The countries will jointly work on their modernization to increase effectiveness and the ability to strike enemy targets.
"We are also ready to share Ukrainian solutions, in particular in countering Shahed drones. Battlefield data and our practical experience may be useful in strengthening the capabilities of the Polish armed forces," Fedorov added.
Transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine
Poland is holding talks with Ukraine on the transfer of MiG-29 aircraft.
Poland will deliver up to nine of its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine as part of assistance to Kyiv to defend against Russia's full-scale invasion.
The transfer of the aircraft is linked to them reaching their target operational lifespan, as well as the lack of prospects for their further modernization within the Polish Armed Forces.
In exchange for a new batch of Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets, Ukraine will provide Poland with a number of drone-related know-how solutions that have already demonstrated their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki confirmed that Poland does not rule out the possibility of exchanging MiG-29 fighter jets for Ukrainian counter-drone technologies.
According to Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, Ukrainian drones will also be delivered to Poland, among other items. However, he did not specify their number.
