Poland offers MiG‑29s to Ukraine, seeks NATO air support
The Polish chargé d’affaires in Kyiv, Piotr Łukasiewicz, stated that Warsaw is ready to give Ukraine MiG-29 fighter jets, but only if NATO allies can replace the gap in Poland's air force that this would create. Let us remind you about these aircraft's capabilities.
– Our country is undergoing a significant transformation of the air force. We are purchasing new aircraft from our partners – F-16 and F-35. However, this process is ongoing, so we cannot afford to lose even these ten MiG-29s, as it would leave us feeling defenceless. Our allies should send a few squadrons of other aircraft to Poland to provide us with time to build our capabilities so that we can transfer additional MiGs, which Ukrainian pilots urgently need – explained Łukasiewicz in an interview with the Ukrainian portal Ukrinform.
Polish MiG-29s for Ukraine: What kind of aircraft is it?
The MiG-29 is a front-line fighter whose production began in the USSR in 1983. It is powered by two Klimow RD-33 engines, allowing the pilot to accelerate the aircraft to a maximum speed of approximately 2,414 km/h. The maximum altitude reached by the MiG-29 is 17,500 metres, while the range is estimated at about 1,770 km (with additional tanks it increases to 2,092 km).
The basic armament is a GSz-30-1 aircraft cannon of 30 mm calibre, but the MiG-29 can also carry additional armament (up to a maximum of 5,500 kg) on external hardpoints.
Huge support from Poland for Ukraine
In 2023, Polish authorities decided to hand over some aircraft to Ukraine, including 10 MiG-29 fighters. A possible subsequent transfer could include another 10, up to a maximum of 15 such machines from Poland's air force resources. It is worth noting that previously Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk spoke in a similar manner.
While F-16 fighters already form the core of Poland's combat aviation, the introduction of F-35 fighters will take some time. The first machine of this type prepared for Poland was unveiled on 28 August at the Lockheed Martin assembly plant in Fort Worth, Texas. F-35s will start appearing in Poland only in 2026.
"In the last two years, Poland has provided spare parts and MiG-29 aircraft. In fact, we were the first to ask the allies to give you equipment heavier than Javelins – tanks, MiG-29s, and other older aircraft," recalled Łukasiewicz.
The Polish diplomat also noted that Poland will support Ukraine in its aspirations to join NATO. In this regard, alongside other Baltic countries, it is among the "best advocates of Ukraine in Europe."
