Reverse! Poland Rejects "Free" MiG-29s
Ukraine still has a chance to obtain these outdated but urgently needed MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland—but the price has changed.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz clearly stated that the matter is not yet finalized. He said Warsaw is re-evaluating Kyiv’s request and has set a new tone: “The plan is feasible, but only through barter—absolutely not as a one-sided, gratuitous transfer of aircraft by Poland.”
The core demand from Poland is crystal clear—both sides are planning to exchange Ukraine’s drone technology for these soon-to-be-retired MiG-29 fighters. In Poland’s view, the practical combat experience, anti-jamming algorithms, and production line technologies accumulated by Ukraine on the battlefield hold far greater strategic value than a few aging aircraft.
Previously, Polish officials had issued a firm message stating that due to Ukraine’s inconsistent stance on technology sharing, the aid deal for the MiG-29s was effectively dead. The Polish defense minister even bluntly declared: “Ukraine won’t get the MiG-29s unless it shares its drone technology.”
Now, with Ukraine’s frontline forces urgently needing air superiority and fighter jets, this “technology-for-aircraft” deal has been brought back to the negotiation table. Poland’s move is not only aimed at acquiring cutting-edge defense technology for its own national security, but also sends a clear signal to the international community: even wartime allies’ aid must be based on mutual benefit.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870019055162368/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.