Poland may transfer several MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine by year-end – former minister

This opinion was expressed by Polish expert and former Minister of National Defense Janusz Onyszkiewicz in a commentary to Ukrinform, in response to the transfer of German fighter jets to Poland to patrol its airspace and NATO’s eastern flank.

"The transfer of these MiGs should be completed. I think it will happen this year," Onyszkiewicz said.

He added that these aircraft are urgently needed to intercept enemy cruise missiles and drones over Ukraine.

Onyszkiewicz noted that these are not the first aircraft from NATO countries to be deployed in Poland. Until recently, British and French fighter jets had also been stationed there.

As reported, five Eurofighter EF-2000 Typhoon jets from the German Air Force will soon patrol NATO’s eastern airspace while stationed in Poland.

Last year, the Polish Foreign Ministry told Ukrinform in a commentary that Poland would hand over the remaining MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine once it receives replacements from its allies.

Poland’s Charge d’Affaires in Ukraine, Piotr Lukasiewicz, previously stated in an interview with Ukrinform that the remaining MiG-29 jets would be transferred to Ukraine once Poland fills the gaps created by the transfer of MiGs.

 In 2022, Poland had already handed over a number of MiG-29s to Ukraine.

The Office of the President of Poland reported that the country has provided Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees the largest amount of military, material, and humanitarian aid relative to its GDP, with this aid package reaching nearly 5% of the country's GDP. The military assistance includes 320 tanks, 250 armored personnel carriers, and 14 MiG-29 aircraft

Photo credit: defence24.pl