Poland could send MiG-29 jets to Ukraine within weeks in exchange for drones – Wirtualna Polska

Ukraine and Poland are finalising negotiations over the transfer of older Soviet-designed MiG-29 fighter jets in exchange for a batch of drones and advanced technologies for their production. The aircraft could be sent to Ukraine within the next few weeks.

Source: Polish outlet Wirtualna Polska, citing sources in the Polish Armed Forces and Ministry of National Defence

Details: Wirtualna Polska said the two sides had made significant progress after a prolonged deadlock. The agreement would involve Poland supplying Ukraine with MiG-29 fighter jets in exchange for a large number of drones in various configurations and the transfer of Ukrainian combat know-how.

The aircraft in question are ageing Soviet-built jets with their operational service life almost exhausted. The Polish military is withdrawing them from its Air Force and Warsaw had previously considered sending the aircraft for scrap.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Janusz Sejmej said Warsaw had been seeking cooperation in the drone sector since the beginning of the year. Kyiv, however, was reluctant for some time to accept Warsaw's terms.

Wirtualna Polska claimed that the key information sought by Poland includes data on communication with attack drones, their control systems, video footage of strikes against targets and examples of the equipment itself.

Poland's Ministry of National Defence says the process accelerated after Rustem Umierov was appointed head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tasked him, among other things, with negotiating drone agreements.

Despite the progress, the Polish side remains cautious about the final implementation of the deal. According to a source involved in the negotiations, Ukrainian defence company Fire Point has offered to supply Poland with 1,500 long-range drones, as well as another 1,500 in the event of war breaking out.

"It looks good in theory. However, we realise that in a critical situation, the company could invoke force majeure and say: unfortunately, we are at war, we are unable to fulfil the terms of the agreement and we need this equipment ourselves because we are in a worse position," the Wirtualna Polska source said.

Background:

• In July 2024, Ukraine and Poland signed a bilateral security agreement during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Warsaw. The document provided for considering the possibility of transferring a squadron of Polish MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine (at least 14 aircraft).
• In late 2025 and early 2026, the Polish government was preparing another military aid package for Ukraine, which was expected to include armoured vehicles and MiG-29 fighter jets. Polish Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk said the plan involved six to eight aircraft.
• However, on 15 June 2026, Tomczyk confirmed that the transfer of the aircraft had been suspended because Ukraine had declined to grant access to its military technologies related to drones and counter-drone systems.
• On 30 June, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the negotiations had reached a deadlock because Ukraine had refused to share drone production technologies.
• On 29 July, Kosiniak-Kamysz said that dialogue had resumed after the Ukrainian side sent a letter containing specific proposals.

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