Poland is negotiating with Ukraine on the potential supply of MiG-29 fighter jets, while also discussing the transfer of technology to Poland, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). "This solidarity must be two-way", Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated on 10/12.

The Polish Army General Staff indicated that, beyond drones, Warsaw is also in talks with Kyiv regarding the potential transfer of certain missile technologies. Poland aims to finalize this deal because it can no longer modernize its Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets, which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. The current role of the MiG-29 fleet will be assumed by F-16 and FA-50 fighters.

Polish MiG-29 fighter jets during a NATO exercise in Lask town, 10/2022. *Photo: AFP*

"This initiative forms part of NATO's policy to support Ukraine and maintain security on the alliance's eastern flank", the Polish Army General Staff added, noting that a final decision has not yet been reached.

The MiG-29 is a 4th-generation light fighter jet developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and entered service in 1982. It boasts a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h, a service ceiling of 18 km, and a range of 1,430 km. The basic MiG-29 variant is equipped with a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, seven weapon pylons, and external fuel tanks. It can carry up to 3,5 tons of weaponry, including R-27 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, as well as various bombs and rockets.

At the time the conflict erupted in early 2022, Ukraine had approximately 50 MiG-29 fighter jets in service. Oryx, a Dutch-based conflict information analysis site, estimates that at least 33 Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets have been destroyed, with several others damaged. Actual losses may be higher, as Oryx only accounts for damage visually confirmed.

While Ukraine has deployed more modern F-16 and Mirage 2000 variants, the MiG-29 remains a valuable asset for its air force. Kyiv is continuing to modify these Soviet-era fighter jets to carry new weapons, including anti-radar missiles and guided bombs.

Poland was the first country to announce the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine after the conflict began, providing a total of 14 MiG-29 fighter jets. The country currently has 14 aircraft in service, including three MiG-29UBs, a two-seat training variant. Poland actively uses its MiG-29 fighter jets, for example, in NATO support missions. In October, the country dispatched MiG-29 fighter jets to monitor a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters, War Zone)