Poland Considers MiG-29 Fighter Transfer to Ukraine for Battle-Tested Drone Technologies
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Poland is preparing to decide whether to transfer part of its remaining MiG-29 fighter fleet to Ukraine under a defense cooperation arrangement centered on Ukrainian drone technologies. The proposal could strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation while giving Warsaw access to battlefield-tested unmanned capabilities as Poland continues transitioning to Western fighter aircraft.
The proposed agreement would exchange aging Polish MiG-29 fighter jets for Ukrainian drone technologies and operational expertise rather than relying on a conventional arms sale or financial transaction. Poland is steadily replacing its Soviet era aircraft with F 35A Lightning II fighters and FA-50 light combat aircraft, while Ukraine continues to rely on MiG-29 aircraft for air defense, strike missions, and the integration of Western-supplied precision weapons. If approved, the arrangement would represent a new model of defense cooperation shaped by lessons from more than four years of high-intensity warfare.
Related News: Poland confirms transfer of up to 9 MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine after final technical clearance
A Polish MiG-29 flies over the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter during a cooperative exercise with the Polish Navy, March 14, 2023 (Picture source: US DoD)
The discussions also reflect the evolving priorities of both countries. For Poland, Soviet-designed aircraft are gradually losing operational relevance as F-35A Lightning II fighters and FA-50 light combat aircraft enter service. Ukraine, by contrast, continues to operate a mixed fleet of Soviet and Western aircraft, allowing additional MiG-29s to be integrated immediately without creating new training or logistical requirements. The proposed exchange therefore addresses complementary operational needs while strengthening bilateral defense cooperation at a time of continued security tensions on NATO’s eastern flank.
According to statements made by Polish Deputy Minister of National Defense Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka on July 31, 2026, during an interview with Radio Zet and reported by the Polish Press Agency (PAP), Ukraine has submitted a concrete proposal specifying the drone-related capabilities it is prepared to provide in exchange for the fighters. The offer is currently under review by the Polish Ministry of National Defense, with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz expected to decide in the coming weeks. Although Polish officials confirmed that the proposal identifies the categories of capabilities involved, neither Warsaw nor Kyiv has disclosed the systems under discussion. Earlier statements by Kosiniak-Kamysz referring to “drone technologies” rather than simply drones indicate that the negotiations may include technology transfer, industrial cooperation and operational know-how alongside any delivery of unmanned systems.
Poland has operated the MiG-29 since 1989, when the first aircraft entered service with the Polish Air Force. The fleet was later expanded through several acquisitions, including aircraft purchased from the Soviet Union, ten fighters obtained from the Czech Republic in 1996 and twenty-two former German Air Force MiG-29s transferred in 2003. In total, Poland has operated forty-four MiG-29A and MiG-29UB aircraft. The fleet has gradually declined because of retirements, accidents and previous transfers to Ukraine. Around a dozen aircraft were already delivered to Kyiv beginning in 2023, while approximately twelve single-seat fighters and a small number of two-seat trainers are believed to remain in Polish service pending their replacement.
Despite its age, the MiG-29 remains a fourth-generation air-superiority fighter with capabilities that continue to meet several operational requirements. Powered by two Klimov RD-33 afterburning turbofan engines producing approximately 81.4 kN of thrust each, the aircraft reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 while maintaining high maneuverability and climb performance. Its N019 Rubin pulse-Doppler radar can detect fighter-sized targets at distances approaching 100 kilometers under favorable conditions. The aircraft is armed with R-73 short-range infrared-guided missiles and R-27 medium-range air-to-air missiles. Polish modernization programs have also introduced NATO-compatible Identification Friend or Foe equipment, updated navigation systems, secure Western radios, and modernized communications, improving interoperability with Allied forces.
For Ukraine, additional MiG-29s would provide an immediately usable capability. Pilots, maintenance personnel, and logistics organizations are already familiar with the platform, allowing rapid integration without additional conversion training. The aircraft continue to perform interception, air-defense, and precision-strike missions. Ukrainian engineers have also demonstrated the ability to adapt these Soviet-designed fighters to employ selected Western precision-guided weapons. In operational terms, additional aircraft would help replace combat losses, sustain sortie generation and complement the capabilities provided by F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters already in service.
The exact content of Ukraine’s proposal remains confidential. However, repeated references by Polish officials to “drone technologies” indicate that the agreement could extend beyond the transfer of unmanned platforms. Ukraine has become a major developer and producer of military unmanned systems, manufacturing reconnaissance drones, FPV attack drones, loitering munitions and long-range strike unmanned aerial vehicles in large numbers. Its defense industry has also gained extensive experience in developing navigation systems capable of operating in heavily jammed electromagnetic environments, secure digital communications, autonomous target-acquisition functions, modular payload architectures and production methods continuously adapted to operational requirements. These capabilities could ultimately represent greater value than the unmanned platforms themselves.
From Poland’s perspective, access to these technologies would complement rather than replace domestic capabilities already developed around systems such as the Warmate loitering munition and the FlyEye reconnaissance drone produced by WB Group. The primary benefit lies in operational experience gained against a technologically advanced opponent. Access to Ukrainian software architectures, electronic-warfare countermeasures, production methods and tactical employment concepts could accelerate the development of future Polish programs while reducing technological risk. In practical terms, Warsaw would be exchanging fighter aircraft approaching retirement for direct access to one of the most extensively tested military drone ecosystems currently in operation.
Beyond the bilateral relationship, the proposed arrangement illustrates how defense cooperation in Europe is evolving under the impact of the war in Ukraine. Partners are increasingly complementing financial assistance and conventional equipment transfers with agreements centered on technology exchange, industrial cooperation and operational expertise. If implemented, the agreement would strengthen Ukraine’s existing air-combat capability while providing Poland with access to technologies and operational experience that could influence future force modernization. More broadly, the initiative reflects the growing role of combat-tested innovation in shaping defense partnerships and the long-term security architecture on NATO’s eastern flank against a technologically advanced opponent. Access to Ukrainian software architectures, electronic warfare countermeasures, production methods, and tactical employment concepts could accelerate the development of future Polish programs while reducing technological risk. In practical terms, Warsaw would be exchanging fighter aircraft approaching retirement for direct access to one of the most extensively tested military drone ecosystems currently in operation.
Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition GroupErwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in Security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.
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Poland is preparing to decide whether to transfer part of its remaining MiG-29 fighter fleet to Ukraine under a defense cooperation arrangement centered on Ukrainian drone technologies. The proposal could strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation while giving Warsaw access to battlefield-tested unmanned capabilities as Poland continues transitioning to Western fighter aircraft.
The proposed agreement would exchange aging Polish MiG-29 fighter jets for Ukrainian drone technologies and operational expertise rather than relying on a conventional arms sale or financial transaction. Poland is steadily replacing its Soviet era aircraft with F 35A Lightning II fighters and FA-50 light combat aircraft, while Ukraine continues to rely on MiG-29 aircraft for air defense, strike missions, and the integration of Western-supplied precision weapons. If approved, the arrangement would represent a new model of defense cooperation shaped by lessons from more than four years of high-intensity warfare.
Related News: Poland confirms transfer of up to 9 MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine after final technical clearance
A Polish MiG-29 flies over the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter during a cooperative exercise with the Polish Navy, March 14, 2023 (Picture source: US DoD)
The discussions also reflect the evolving priorities of both countries. For Poland, Soviet-designed aircraft are gradually losing operational relevance as F-35A Lightning II fighters and FA-50 light combat aircraft enter service. Ukraine, by contrast, continues to operate a mixed fleet of Soviet and Western aircraft, allowing additional MiG-29s to be integrated immediately without creating new training or logistical requirements. The proposed exchange therefore addresses complementary operational needs while strengthening bilateral defense cooperation at a time of continued security tensions on NATO’s eastern flank.
According to statements made by Polish Deputy Minister of National Defense Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka on July 31, 2026, during an interview with Radio Zet and reported by the Polish Press Agency (PAP), Ukraine has submitted a concrete proposal specifying the drone-related capabilities it is prepared to provide in exchange for the fighters. The offer is currently under review by the Polish Ministry of National Defense, with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz expected to decide in the coming weeks. Although Polish officials confirmed that the proposal identifies the categories of capabilities involved, neither Warsaw nor Kyiv has disclosed the systems under discussion. Earlier statements by Kosiniak-Kamysz referring to “drone technologies” rather than simply drones indicate that the negotiations may include technology transfer, industrial cooperation and operational know-how alongside any delivery of unmanned systems.
Poland has operated the MiG-29 since 1989, when the first aircraft entered service with the Polish Air Force. The fleet was later expanded through several acquisitions, including aircraft purchased from the Soviet Union, ten fighters obtained from the Czech Republic in 1996 and twenty-two former German Air Force MiG-29s transferred in 2003. In total, Poland has operated forty-four MiG-29A and MiG-29UB aircraft. The fleet has gradually declined because of retirements, accidents and previous transfers to Ukraine. Around a dozen aircraft were already delivered to Kyiv beginning in 2023, while approximately twelve single-seat fighters and a small number of two-seat trainers are believed to remain in Polish service pending their replacement.
Despite its age, the MiG-29 remains a fourth-generation air-superiority fighter with capabilities that continue to meet several operational requirements. Powered by two Klimov RD-33 afterburning turbofan engines producing approximately 81.4 kN of thrust each, the aircraft reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 while maintaining high maneuverability and climb performance. Its N019 Rubin pulse-Doppler radar can detect fighter-sized targets at distances approaching 100 kilometers under favorable conditions. The aircraft is armed with R-73 short-range infrared-guided missiles and R-27 medium-range air-to-air missiles. Polish modernization programs have also introduced NATO-compatible Identification Friend or Foe equipment, updated navigation systems, secure Western radios, and modernized communications, improving interoperability with Allied forces.
For Ukraine, additional MiG-29s would provide an immediately usable capability. Pilots, maintenance personnel, and logistics organizations are already familiar with the platform, allowing rapid integration without additional conversion training. The aircraft continue to perform interception, air-defense, and precision-strike missions. Ukrainian engineers have also demonstrated the ability to adapt these Soviet-designed fighters to employ selected Western precision-guided weapons. In operational terms, additional aircraft would help replace combat losses, sustain sortie generation and complement the capabilities provided by F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters already in service.
The exact content of Ukraine’s proposal remains confidential. However, repeated references by Polish officials to “drone technologies” indicate that the agreement could extend beyond the transfer of unmanned platforms. Ukraine has become a major developer and producer of military unmanned systems, manufacturing reconnaissance drones, FPV attack drones, loitering munitions and long-range strike unmanned aerial vehicles in large numbers. Its defense industry has also gained extensive experience in developing navigation systems capable of operating in heavily jammed electromagnetic environments, secure digital communications, autonomous target-acquisition functions, modular payload architectures and production methods continuously adapted to operational requirements. These capabilities could ultimately represent greater value than the unmanned platforms themselves.
From Poland’s perspective, access to these technologies would complement rather than replace domestic capabilities already developed around systems such as the Warmate loitering munition and the FlyEye reconnaissance drone produced by WB Group. The primary benefit lies in operational experience gained against a technologically advanced opponent. Access to Ukrainian software architectures, electronic-warfare countermeasures, production methods and tactical employment concepts could accelerate the development of future Polish programs while reducing technological risk. In practical terms, Warsaw would be exchanging fighter aircraft approaching retirement for direct access to one of the most extensively tested military drone ecosystems currently in operation.
Beyond the bilateral relationship, the proposed arrangement illustrates how defense cooperation in Europe is evolving under the impact of the war in Ukraine. Partners are increasingly complementing financial assistance and conventional equipment transfers with agreements centered on technology exchange, industrial cooperation and operational expertise. If implemented, the agreement would strengthen Ukraine’s existing air-combat capability while providing Poland with access to technologies and operational experience that could influence future force modernization. More broadly, the initiative reflects the growing role of combat-tested innovation in shaping defense partnerships and the long-term security architecture on NATO’s eastern flank against a technologically advanced opponent. Access to Ukrainian software architectures, electronic warfare countermeasures, production methods, and tactical employment concepts could accelerate the development of future Polish programs while reducing technological risk. In practical terms, Warsaw would be exchanging fighter aircraft approaching retirement for direct access to one of the most extensively tested military drone ecosystems currently in operation.
Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in Security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.
