WARSAW, — June 16, 2026 : Poland has suspended the planned transfer of its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine until both countries finalize an agreement on the exchange of Ukrainian military drone technology, Polish officials have confirmed.
The decision comes five months after Warsaw announced its intention to provide additional Soviet-era fighter aircraft to support Ukraine's defense efforts. According to Polish authorities, the aircraft will remain at Polish airbases until the legal and technical details of the technology-sharing arrangement are completed.
Technology Exchange Linked to Fighter Transfer
Polish Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk said the fighter jet transfer is directly connected to ongoing negotiations over access to Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.
Speaking to Radio ZET, Tomczyk stated that Poland and Ukraine had agreed in principle on a technology transfer arrangement, but the agreement has not yet been finalized.
"We have not transferred the MiGs to Ukraine. We agreed with the Ukrainian side on a transfer of technology. If this matter is agreed, then the issue of the fighters will end successfully," Tomczyk said.
He added that Poland's support for Ukraine remains unchanged, but emphasized that defense cooperation should also provide benefits for both countries.
"A relationship of solidarity must be a two-way relationship. Ukrainians are the best in drones of all the countries with which we have positive relations," he said.
Poland is seeking access to Ukrainian drone expertise, including intellectual property rights, technical specifications, and operational knowledge gained during more than four years of wartime drone development.
Remaining MiG-29 Fleet Under Discussion
The negotiations involve Poland's remaining fleet of 14 MiG-29 fighter aircraft, including 11 single-seat and three twin-seat variants. Polish officials have indicated that between six and eight aircraft could be transferred to Ukraine once the agreement is completed.
Poland previously delivered between 10 and 14 MiG-29s to Ukraine during 2023 as part of military assistance packages.
The aircraft are approaching the end of their service life within the Polish Air Force, which is currently replacing older Soviet-designed platforms with modern Western aircraft, including F-35A fighters, KAI FA-50PL light combat aircraft, and upgraded F-16s.
Officials have stated that retaining the MiG-29s temporarily will not create operational gaps for Poland's military as the modernization program continues.
Operational Value for Ukraine
For Ukraine, additional MiG-29s would provide immediate operational benefits because Ukrainian pilots, technicians, and maintenance crews already operate the aircraft type.
The fighters could be integrated into service without the extensive training and infrastructure requirements associated with newer Western aircraft.
The Ukrainian Air Force is estimated to operate around 45 MiG-29s alongside F-16AM fighters, Mirage 2000-5F aircraft, and several Sukhoi combat aircraft variants.
Growing Interest in Ukrainian Drone Technology
Poland's position reflects increasing international interest in Ukraine's rapidly expanding drone industry, which has developed a wide range of combat-tested unmanned systems since the start of the war.
These include first-person-view (FPV) attack drones, tactical reconnaissance UAVs, bomber drones, long-range strike systems capable of operating in contested electronic warfare environments, counter-drone interceptors, and unmanned surface vessels used in maritime operations.
Ukrainian drone systems have been employed against military targets, air bases, radar installations, logistics facilities, and naval assets, making the country's defense industry a valuable source of operational experience and technological innovation.
Poland has accelerated efforts to strengthen its own drone and counter-UAS capabilities amid growing security concerns along NATO's eastern flank.
Recent Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace led to NATO's Operation Eastern Sentry, during which allied aircraft, including British Typhoons, French Rafales, and Romanian F-16s, were scrambled to monitor and intercept unidentified aerial targets.
Negotiations Yet to Be Finalized
The current delay comes despite earlier indications that both sides were making progress toward a military-technical cooperation agreement.
In late 2025, Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar and Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that discussions on expanding defense cooperation were advancing. Bodnar also noted at the time that several Polish MiG-29 aircraft were prepared for transfer.
However, officials have not disclosed the reasons behind the latest delay in finalizing the technology agreement.
Until negotiations are completed and the terms of the technology exchange are formally approved, Poland will continue to retain its remaining MiG-29 fleet, while discussions with Ukraine remain ongoing.
The proposed arrangement highlights the evolving nature of defense cooperation between the two countries, combining military assistance with technology sharing as both sides seek to strengthen their defense capabilities.
——— End of Article ———
