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After several weeks of strain caused by disagreements over a co-operation deal to produce drones, Poland and Ukraine have reopened talks on the possible transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets still serving with the Polish Air Force. The Soviet-designed aircraft are being phased out in favour of more modern types and could strengthen Ukraine’s air combat capability.
Talks resume after weeks of tension over drones
Poland’s Defence Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, confirmed the renewed prospect of negotiations when speaking to the press after ceremonies marking the 83rd anniversary of the Volhynia Massacre. Asked about the outlook for the discussions, he suggested the situation had improved compared with recent weeks. “Without a doubt there is much more good news on this subject than there was a few days ago,” he said.
According to reporting in the Polish media, Kosiniak-Kamysz also noted that Ukrainian industry is already producing drones in numbers greater than the needs of its own Armed Forces, even allowing these systems to be exported to countries in the Middle East after the start of strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. In the minister’s view, this is evidence that there are no technical barriers preventing Ukraine from supplying the unmanned systems Poland is seeking.
The proposed MiG-29-for-drones arrangement between Poland and Ukraine
The discussions sit within a broader co-operation proposal between the two countries. Under the initial concept, Warsaw would hand over its remaining MiG-29s to Kyiv, while Poland would receive drones built by Ukrainian industry as well as access to the designs required to enable production on Polish soil.
However, the Polish government says Ukraine did not take the necessary steps to deliver its side of the agreement, prompting Warsaw to temporarily pause the aircraft transfer.
Kosiniak-Kamysz now says Kyiv has returned to the negotiating table and that there is willingness to revive the understanding, provided the principle of reciprocity is upheld. “Now the Ukrainian side has resumed the talks, and I am open to that, but the principle of reciprocity, the principle of true solidarity, must be respected,” the minister stated.
Modernisation demands and who pays
A further issue still being debated concerns the condition of any fighters that could be handed over. Ukraine has indicated it wants aircraft that have already been modernised, a requirement seen as important to extend service life and improve operational effectiveness. Poland, for its part, has made it clear it does not intend to fund such upgrades. On this point, the minister said: “If Ukraine deems the modernisation of these aircraft necessary, we can help in everything possible, but the costs will have to be borne by the Ukrainian state or by allied countries that decide to finance this process.”
The financial aspect has taken on added weight because Warsaw has already provided a substantial amount of military support to Kyiv since the start of the Russian invasion. Polish military assistance is estimated to have exceeded 4 billion euros, focused mainly on the first two years of the conflict.
Wider drone co-operation: PGZ and TAF Industries
Alongside the MiG-29 negotiations, companies in both countries are also looking to expand collaboration in the unmanned systems sector. One of them is Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), which-according to the Polish press-recently signed a letter of intent with the Ukrainian firm TAF Industries to develop joint initiatives aimed at drone production.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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