In January-February next year, Warsaw intends to transfer its MiG-29s to Ukraine, significantly boosting Ukraine's air defense capabilities. This will allow Ukraine to intercept Russian missiles and counter strike aircraft.
This was stated in an interview with Ukrinform by Polish expert, former Minister of National Defense Janusz Onyszkiewicz.
«I believe the decision has already been made. The direct transfer of aircraft is a matter for January-February, as it requires technical and practical preparations,» Onyszkiewicz emphasized, noting that this concerns approximately a squadron of such aircraft (12-16 planes).
According to him, technical issues still need to be resolved, specifically what kind of technology Poland would like to receive in exchange from Ukraine.
The former defense minister stressed that Ukraine is «at the highest world level in drone technology, and this has been proven in combat.»
«In this regard, acquiring such experience is extremely valuable for Poland. The same goes for missile technology, as Poland aims to equip itself with medium- and long-range missiles, not to mention implementing a space program. Ukraine has a lot to offer, and I hope everything will conclude quickly and move to the execution phase,» Onyszkiewicz emphasized.
The Polish expert also highlighted that transferring Polish aircraft to Ukraine will have significant implications for the Ukrainian air defense system.
«This will not mean a drastic change in the situation, but Ukrainian forces will feel the impact of these additional planes. MiGs are suitable for intercepting enemy missiles, and they can also counter the use of Russian aviation attacking Ukraine with missiles and guided bombs,» the expert emphasized.
As Onyszkiewicz noted, Russia's fleet of fifth-generation aircraft is decreasing, as Ukrainian forces successfully destroy them. Therefore, Russia is increasingly using its older fourth-generation aircraft (MiG-29, MiG-35) for launching missiles.
«Intercepting Russian aircraft capable of carrying such combat means is a very important issue for Ukraine. This could be a significant strengthening for Ukraine's air defense,» the Polish expert emphasized.
As reported, the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces recently announced that Poland plans to transfer the remaining MiG-29 aircraft, which are being phased out, to Ukraine, awaiting the receipt of technology related to drone and missile production in return.
According to Polish media, as of now, the Polish army still has 14 MiG-29 aircraft of various types. In 2025, they will continue to perform combat duties. Notably, on October 28, 30, and 31 of this year, Polish MiG-29 fighters successfully intercepted Russian reconnaissance aircraft IL-20 over the Baltic Sea.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated during a conversation with journalists from several media outlets in Warsaw that Ukraine is in great need of Polish weaponry, including the Piorun MANPADS, Krab self-propelled artillery, and MiG-29s.
In an interview with Ukrinform, the interim chargé d'affaires of Poland in Ukraine, Piotr Lukasiewicz, mentioned that Poland will transfer the remaining MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine when it "fills the gaps" created by the transfer of these aircraft to Kyiv.
The Office of the President of Poland reported at the end of last year that since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion, Poland has provided Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees with military, material, and humanitarian aid amounting to the largest per GDP ratio in the world - nearly 5% of its own GDP. Among the military supplies provided were 320 tanks, 250 infantry fighting vehicles, and 14 MiG-29 aircraft.