Poland cannot transfer its MiG-29s to Kiev until new fighters are received, which will begin arriving in 2026. This was stated by the head of the Polish Defense Ministry, Vladislav Kosinyak-Kamysh, according to Wiadomosci.
He noted that Warsaw donated "multibillion-dollar equipment" to Ukraine, but Poland must first think about its security.
"I know that Ukraine needs many types of weapons, but our partners from Ukraine should also understand that the Polish state should maintain its capabilities. And this is a priority for me as Defense Minister," Kosinyak-Kamysh said.
According to the minister, possible decisions on the MiG-29 can be made after the Polish Air Force is reinforced with new aircraft, such as the F-35 fighters ordered from the United States. It is expected that the first F-35 will arrive in the country no earlier than 2026.
"Only after receiving new aircraft will it be possible to dispose of old aircraft, such as the MiG-29, which are currently still in use, including for tasks to protect Polish airspace. Then we will make decisions," the defense minister said.
For today, the Poles have transferred everything that Warsaw could donate to Ukraine, Kosinyak-Kamysh emphasized.