Poland Reveals Conditions for Transferring MiG-29s to Ukraine

Poland will make a decision regarding the transfer of its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine only after receiving the fifth-generation F-35 aircraft purchased from the United States.

This was stated by Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak, in an interview with the PAP agency.

“A possible decision regarding the MiG-29s can be made after the Polish Air Force is strengthened with new aircraft, for instance, the F-35 fighters ordered from the United States,” he said. “At that point, we will make a decision.”

Błaszczak also noted that Poland has transferred “everything it could” to Ukraine.

In April, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the potential transfer of Polish MiG-29s to Ukraine “cannot happen to the detriment of Poland's security.”

Poland has purchased 32 F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jets from the U.S. The first aircraft was handed over to Polish military personnel on August 27; however, the fighter will remain in the U.S. for the training of Polish pilots. The F-35s are expected to arrive in Poland only by 2026.