Overview
- Poland has not delivered more MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine because talks over a technology-for-equipment swap remain unfinished, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said on June 15.
- Tomczyk said Poland seeks Ukrainian expertise and hardware for unmanned systems as part of its own drone and counter-drone build-up and will send the jets once a formal technology-cooperation agreement is signed.
- Poland has already approved and sent earlier batches of MiG-29s and other heavy equipment to Ukraine while it replaces Soviet-era jets with Western types such as the FA-50, F-16, and F-35.
- The pause comes on top of recent political strains and falling Polish public support for Ukraine after Kyiv’s controversial naming decision, though officials say security cooperation and dialogue continue.
- If the technology deal is sealed, Poland plans to proceed with the remaining transfers, a move that would speed Ukraine’s ability to field more fighters immediately and give Poland access to proven drone tactics and systems.