WARSAW — Poland has confirmed it is ready to help modernize and repair MiG-29 fighter jets for Ukraine, but said the cost of the work must be covered by the Ukrainian government or international partners. The announcement comes as Warsaw and Kyiv have resumed negotiations over the transfer of Poland's remaining Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft.
Speaking during a briefing in Olyka in Ukraine's Volyn region, Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland is willing to provide technical assistance but cannot finance the refurbishment of the aircraft.
"We can help as much as possible here, but the funding must come from the Ukrainian government or allied countries willing to cover these costs," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Repairs Required Before Delivery
The modernization issue gained attention after a Ukrainian delegation inspected Poland's remaining MiG-29 fleet at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork, where the aircraft are currently stationed.
According to the inspection, the fighters are in poor technical condition after years without comprehensive maintenance. The aircraft, which have served with the Polish Air Force since 1989, would require significant repairs before they could be safely returned to operational service.
Aviation specialists reportedly identified the landing gear as one of the key areas requiring attention.
Ukraine had requested that Poland carry out a complete overhaul of the aircraft at the military aviation maintenance facility Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr. 2 before delivery. However, Warsaw declined, stating that financing such extensive refurbishment was not included in Poland's current defense budget.
PGZ Assessing Support for Ukrainian Aircraft
Poland's state-owned defense company Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) is evaluating its ability to support the repair and maintenance of Ukrainian military aircraft.
The assessment includes both MiG-29 fighters and Ukraine's growing fleet of F-16 aircraft, potentially expanding long-term defense-industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Transfer Linked to Technology Cooperation
Discussions over the transfer of Poland's remaining MiG-29s began late last year after Poland's Ministry of National Defence and the General Staff announced plans to retire the aircraft as the country transitions to newer Western fighters, including the F-35 and South Korean FA-50.
As part of the initial proposal, Poland offered to transfer the MiG-29s in exchange for access to Ukrainian combat drone technologies and operational experience gained during the war.
The negotiations stalled in June 2026 after Ukraine expressed reservations about sharing its unmanned systems technology. At the time, Polish Deputy Minister of Defence Cezary Tomczyk said the aircraft would only be transferred once the technology-sharing issue was resolved.
Talks Resume on Remaining MiG-29s
Negotiations resumed in July 2026 over the possible transfer of up to nine remaining MiG-29 fighter jets.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said discussions have returned to the table and expressed hope that an agreement can be finalized.
"A clear proposal is being discussed: MiGs in exchange for drones. The Ukrainians said yes, then began having second thoughts. Now they are back in negotiations – and that is good. I hope this proposal will be successfully finalised," he said.
Reports from diplomatic sources have also indicated that the two sides have reached an agreement in principle, although no final deal has been officially announced.
Importance for Ukraine
For Ukraine, the Polish MiG-29s remain valuable because they can be integrated into the Ukrainian Air Force without the lengthy pilot conversion process required for many Western aircraft.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously emphasized that Ukrainian pilots are already trained to operate the MiG-29. He has also noted that Ukraine's challenge is not simply obtaining more aircraft but ensuring enough trained pilots are available to fly them.
Poland previously transferred 14 MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in 2023, becoming one of the first countries to provide fighter aircraft following Russia's full-scale invasion. The current negotiations focus on Poland's remaining MiG-29 fleet, which is scheduled for retirement as newer aircraft enter service.
While both countries continue discussions, the future transfer will depend on resolving issues related to funding for aircraft repairs, the technical condition of the jets, and the broader technology cooperation framework between Warsaw and Kyiv.
Source: defence24
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