Warsaw, December 22 - In a significant development for Ukraine's defense capabilities amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Poland has signaled its readiness to transfer its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in exchange for advanced anti-drone systems and related technologies. This potential deal, highlighted during a joint press conference in Warsaw on December 19, 2025, between Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscores a shift toward symmetrical strategic partnerships in military aid. Poland, a steadfast supporter of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, previously donated around 14 MiG-29s in 2023, bolstering Kyiv's air force with familiar Soviet-era aircraft that require no additional pilot retraining.
The proposed exchange addresses mutual needs in modern warfare. Poland's aging MiG-29 fleet, numbering approximately 14 aircraft including trainers, is nearing the end of its operational life and lacks modernization prospects. These jets are set to be replaced by advanced U.S.-made F-16s and South Korean FA-50s, streamlining Poland's NATO-aligned air force. In return, Warsaw seeks access to Ukraine's cutting-edge drone and anti-drone innovations, which have proven highly effective on the battlefield. Ukraine has pioneered mass drone production, manufacturing over a million FPV drones in 2024, along with sophisticated countermeasures against Russian unmanned threats. President Nawrocki emphasized that this MiG-29 transfer for anti-drone systems "does not contradict our policy" and could be finalized after resolving formalities.
For Ukraine, additional MiG-29 fighters are critical, as pilots are already proficient in operating them, avoiding the lengthy retraining required for Western jets like the F-16. Zelenskyy noted that the core challenge is a shortage of experienced pilots rather than aircraft, making these MiG-29s immediately deployable for air defense and ground support. Estimates suggest Poland could transfer 6-8 jets, further enhancing Ukraine's Soviet-era fleet, which has received contributions from Slovakia as well.
This barter arrangement exemplifies evolving military cooperation, allowing Poland to phase out legacy systems while gaining valuable expertise in drone warfare, a domain where Ukraine leads globally. As negotiations progress, the deal could strengthen NATO's eastern flank security and Ukraine's resilience against Russian aggression, marking another milestone in Poland-Ukraine military assistance.