Poland is set to transfer its remaining MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine in January-February next year, bolstering Ukrainian air defense against Russian missiles and carrier aircraft.
This was stated by Polish expert and former Minister of National Defense Janusz Onyszkiewicz in an interview with Ukrinform.
«The decision has already been made. The actual transfer of the aircraft is a matter for January-February, as it requires technical and practical preparations,» Onyszkiewicz emphasized, noting that this involves approximately a squadron of such aircraft (12-16 planes).
He mentioned that technical issues remain to be solved, particularly regarding the type of technology Poland would like to receive in exchange from Ukraine.
The former defense minister highlighted that Ukraine is «at the highest world level in drone technology, and this has been proven in combat.»
«In this regard, acquiring such experience from Ukraine is extremely valuable for Poland. This also pertains to 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 be resolved quickly and move to the execution stage,» he stressed.
The Polish expert also emphasized that the transfer of Polish aircraft to Ukraine will have significant importance for the Ukrainian air defense system.
«This will not mean a major change in the situation, but Ukrainian forces will feel these additional planes. MiGs are suitable for intercepting enemy missiles and can counter the use of Russian aviation, which strikes Ukrainian territory with missiles and guided bombs,» he underlined.
According to Onyszkiewicz, Russia's fleet of fifth-generation aircraft is decreasing as Ukrainian forces successfully destroy them. Therefore, Russia is increasingly using older fourth-generation planes (MiG-29, MiG-35) to launch missiles and guided bombs.
«Intercepting Russian aircraft that can carry such combat means is a very important issue for Ukraine. This can significantly strengthen Ukraine's air defense,» the Polish expert stressed.
As reported, the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces recently announced that Poland plans to transfer its remaining MiG-29 aircraft, which are being retired, to Ukraine, hoping to receive in exchange technologies related to UAV and missile production.
According to Polish media, as of today, the Polish army still has 14 MiG-29 aircraft of various types. In 2025, they continued to perform combat duties. Notably, on October 28, 30, and 31 of this year, Polish MiG-29 fighters successfully intercepted Russian reconnaissance planes IL-20 in the Baltic Sea.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated during discussions with journalists from several media outlets in Warsaw that Ukraine is in dire need of Polish weapons on the battlefield, especially the Piorun MANPADS, Krab self-propelled howitzers, and MiG-29s.
In an interview with Ukrinform, the acting chargé d'affaires of Poland in Ukraine, Piotr Lukasiewicz, noted 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 that since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, Poland has provided military, material, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees amounting to almost 5% of its GDP, the highest in the world. Among the military equipment provided were 320 tanks, 250 IFVs, and 14 MiG-29 aircraft.
