Poland has made a final decision regarding its MiG-29 fighter jets, which had previously been considered for possible transfer to Ukraine.
Instead, these aircraft will be gradually retired from service in the Polish Air Force, according to a report by Wirtualna Polska, News.Az reports, citing UAWire.
Late last year, Poland’s Ministry of National Defense and the General Staff announced their intention to hand over some MiG-29s to Ukraine. The plan involved an exchange: in return for the jets, Poland would receive Ukrainian drone technology.
These MiG-29 fighters have been part of Poland’s arsenal since 1989 and are currently stationed at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork. While they have gradually been replaced by more modern aircraft, the MiG-29s are still operational and carry out combat missions.
Despite initial agreement on the proposed exchange, the deal ultimately collapsed. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Warsaw had offered Ukraine what he described as a “very partnership-based approach”-swapping the MiG-29s for drone technology. According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, Ukraine initially agreed, but later backed out of the arrangement.
“We presented Ukraine with a clear offer regarding drones and technology. At first, there was agreement on the matter. Today, Ukraine is not fulfilling that deal. We remain open to further negotiations,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
He also suggested the failure of the agreement was politically motivated, possibly influenced by ongoing Polish-Ukrainian disputes over historical issues.
As a result, the MiG-29s that could have been used on the front lines in Ukraine will not be transferred. Instead, the Polish Ministry of Defense told Wirtualna Polska that even without sending the jets to Ukraine, their operational lifespan is coming to an end.
Officials explained that the MiG-29s are reaching the limit of their service life, and there are no plans for further upgrades within Poland’s armed forces. Once the aircraft reach their maximum flight hours, they will be decommissioned and removed from service, rather than being modernized or having their service times extended.
Poland’s defense ministry has not disclosed an exact timeline for the retirement of the jets, citing confidentiality.