Ukraine seeks MiG-29 maintenance equipment from Poland in drone deal
Earlier, Ukrainian inspectors found the technical condition of the inspected aircraft unsatisfactory (Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine)
Ukraine is negotiating with Poland not only for the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets but also for maintenance equipment and technical support systems in exchange for Ukrainian drones, the Defense Ministry told Militarnyi on July 18.
According to the ministry, negotiations on the possible transfer of the aircraft to Ukraine's Armed Forces are ongoing, in line with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz's recent statement that the talks have resumed.
In addition to the aircraft, Ukraine is seeking maintenance equipment, support systems and technical documentation needed to service the jets. In return, Poland is interested in acquiring various types of Ukrainian drone systems in exchange for the MiG-29s.
The ministry confirmed that Ukrainian military representatives inspected some of the aircraft last fall. According to Poland's Onet, Ukrainian personnel examined 14 fighter jets and were dissatisfied with their condition. After years without proper maintenance, the aircraft require repairs before they can be put into service, with the landing gear raising the greatest concerns.
Despite this, Ukraine is prepared to accept the aircraft provided they undergo a full overhaul and modernization. The work could be carried out at the WZL-2 aerospace maintenance facility in Bydgoszcz, with Poland covering the cost under Kyiv's proposal.
Transfer of Polish fighter jets to Ukraine
On Dec. 10, 2025, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed talks with Poland on the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets as the aircraft were nearing the end of their service life. On Dec. 12, Ukraine's ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, confirmed that Warsaw expected combat-tested Ukrainian drone technology in exchange for the aircraft. Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said the proposal covered six to eight MiG-29s from Poland's remaining fleet of 14.
In January 2026, Bodnar said the first four aircraft were ready for delivery and that Kyiv expected to receive about 10 jets in total.
However, on June 30, Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland would not transfer the MiG-29s to Ukraine.
"I proposed a partnership: MiG fighters in exchange for drones. The Ukrainian side initially agreed, but the deal was not fulfilled. Therefore, there will be no MiGs for Ukraine," he said.
On July 12, Poland signaled a renewed willingness to assist Ukraine by offering to modernize the MiG-29s in exchange for Ukrainian drone technology.
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