Poland Approves Transfer of Two MiG-29 Fighters and Ammunition to Ukraine

Poland will transfer two MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine as part of a military assistance package valued at approximately €50 million, moving ahead with a limited delivery after talks over a larger aircraft transfer stalled earlier this year.

The decision was confirmed by Reserve Lt. Gen. Dariusz Łukowski, director of the Strategy and Defense Planning Department at Poland’s Ministry of National Defense, according to Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita on October 29.

One aircraft remains operational, while the other has reportedly exhausted its service life and may be used for spare parts.

Transfer Agreement Confirmed

Łukowski said the aircraft would be delivered “in the near future,” confirming that a decision to transfer them had been made. “The decision has been made, and these two MiG-29s will be transferred,” he told the newspaper.

Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski subsequently said on TVP Info that an agreement covering the two fighters exists. “As for the remaining MiGs, the matter is ongoing,” he added.

The Polish Defense Ministry said the assistance would draw on equipment being withdrawn from national service, subject to military resource requirements and national security considerations.

Warsaw has emphasized that equipment no longer required by its armed forces could remain useful to Ukraine. The ministry did not disclose the detailed contents of the package.

Ammunition and Air Defense Missiles Included

The package extends beyond the two fighter jets, according to Rzeczpospolita.

Poland will reportedly supply 155 mm and 152 mm artillery ammunition, alongside 20×102 mm rounds used by the six-barrel cannons mounted on F-16 fighters.

The newspaper said such rounds are used, among other targets, to shoot down Russian drones and unmanned surface vessels.

The shipment will also reportedly include missiles for Polish-made Piorun short-range air defense systems, manufactured by Mesko.

The new package follows reports that Warsaw also sent Patriot interceptors to Ukraine in the spring, according to a Polish parliamentary deputy speaker. The defense ministry has not confirmed it.

Larger MiG-29 Deal Remains Stalled

The limited delivery follows months of uncertainty surrounding a proposed transfer of additional Polish MiG-29s.

Poland had earlier discussed an arrangement under which the jets would be exchanged for Ukrainian drone and missile technology. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said in June that Kyiv had not followed through on the exchange, and that there would be no MiGs for Ukraine without drone capabilities for Poland.

Rzeczpospolita reported that the technology transfer has not happened and that the matter stalled at the political level after Ukraine named a military unit after Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) figures.

Zalewski also acknowledged declining Ukrainian interest in older Soviet-designed fighters, as Kyiv increasingly prioritizes Western aircraft, including F-16s and Mirages.

The two-aircraft package covers equipment being phased out of Polish service. It is not a revival of the broader technology-exchange plan.

Poland’s Fighter Fleet Transition

Poland previously sent 14 MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine in 2022 and 2023, with the aircraft in varying technical condition.

Poland has meanwhile shifted the duties of its retiring MiG-29 fleet to F-16 fighters and South Korean FA-50 aircraft.

The first 12 FA-50s reached full operational readiness in 2026, according to Rzeczpospolita.

The latest transfer would give Ukraine one additional operational MiG-29 and a second airframe that may support maintenance, alongside artillery ammunition, fighter ammunition and air defense missiles.