Ukraine and Poland may soon conclude negotiations on the transfer of Polish MiG-29 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force. In exchange, Warsaw hopes to receive Ukrainian drones, technology, and expertise in their combat use. This was reported by the Polish publication Wirtualna Polska, citing its own sources, as relayed by Dengi.ua.
According to journalists, negotiations have reached the final stage, so the first aircraft could arrive in Ukraine within the next few weeks. However, the exact number of MiG-29s planned for transfer has not yet been disclosed.
What Poland Wants in Return
The possibility of exchanging the fighter jets for cooperation in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has been under discussion between the two countries for several months now. As early as the beginning of the year, Poland had hoped to gain access to Ukraine’s expertise in the development and use of UAVs.
However, for a long time, the negotiations made virtually no progress. According to WP sources, the Polish side believed that Ukraine was not actively sharing technology and information enough.
Warsaw is particularly interested in data collected directly during the war. This data could be used to improve and train Polish-made unmanned systems.
Specifically, this includes video footage of Russian attacks and Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, data on communication systems used with strike drones, and the principles of UAV control during combat operations. In addition, Poland is interested in acquiring ready-to-use Ukrainian drones.
According to the publication’s sources, after a lengthy hiatus, the parties have reportedly managed to reach a compromise. It is expected that Poland will transfer MiG-29s to Ukraine and, in return, receive a significant number of various types of drones and Ukrainian defense technologies. The final quantities and models of the UAVs are still being negotiated.
What Role Did Changes in Ukraine Play?
WP sources in the Polish Ministry of Defense claim that the intensification of contacts occurred following personnel changes within Ukrainian institutions.
The publication specifically highlights the appointment of Rustem Umerov as head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU). According to WP, since the start of the full-scale war, he has participated in a number of complex international negotiations, including with Russia and the U.S., and is familiar with issues related to the transfer of defense technologies and Ukrainian developments.
According to the Polish publication, his responsibilities include negotiations on agreements related to unmanned systems.
Poland Offered 1,500 Long-Range Drones
One potential avenue for cooperation could be a proposal from the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point. According to a WP source, the company is ready to provide Poland with 1,500 long-range drones.
In addition, the possibility of an emergency delivery of another 1,500 drones is being discussed in the event of a war involving Poland.
At the same time, Warsaw is approaching this option with caution. A Polish representative involved in the negotiations pointed out the risk that, in the event of a large-scale conflict, the Ukrainian manufacturer itself would face a critical shortage of its own products.
Poland fears that, in such a case, the company could cite force majeure and divert the manufactured drones not to Poland but to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.