No MiG-29 Jets to Ukraine Until Kyiv Transfers Drone Tech to Poland

Poland has suspended the transfer of nine MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine due to an unresolved issue regarding the receipt of Ukrainian drone technology.

This was reported by the Polish publication tvn24 , citing the Deputy Minister of National Defense of Poland, Cezar Tomczyk.

According to him, the Polish side has repeatedly emphasized that, it is interested in using Ukrainian experience and technological potential. Tomczyk noted that the transfer of the aircraft will take place after this issue is resolved.

It is not yet known what technologies Poland is seeking to acquire. It is also unknown at what stage the negotiations between the parties are.

Ukraine is more keen on selling its drone products and technology for cash rather than barter it for old platforms such as the MiG-29.

The MiG-29s have one of the lowest survivable rates in the war against Russia owing the fact that the Russian side is more familiar with this aircraft than any other fighter in Ukraine’s arsenal.

Ukraine has been cold to acquiring older Soviet era planes at a time when Western nations are keen to donate it with more modern platforms such as the F-16, Saab Gripen and Mirage -2000. Furthermore, Ukraine is eyeing last platforms such as the Gripen C and Rafale which it may receive for a discounted price should it accept older platforms from their manufacturers.

Regarding its drone technology, Ukraine feels it has developed unparalleled expertise in drone tech and would not like to barter away for decades-old aircraft.