Poland has received a concrete response from Ukraine regarding the exchange of MiG-29 fighters for drones, the proposal is on the table, and a decision is a matter of "a maximum of a few weeks," Poland's Deputy Minister of National Defense Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said on Thursday, UNN reports, citing PAP.
Details
The Deputy Minister of National Defense was asked on Radio Zet why Poland is not selling MiG-29 fighters to Bulgaria, given that Bulgaria has expressed interest in this matter.
Sobkowiak-Czarnecka noted that negotiations on the purchase of MiGs were initially started with Ukraine. She added that Ukraine has "returned to the negotiating table" and sent Poland "a concrete proposal on how this exchange could take place, namely, what types of drones it is ready to provide."
When asked, she emphasized that "yes, a concrete response from Ukraine has been on the table for several days regarding what drones they can exchange for MiGs." She added that after analysis, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz will make a decision.
According to the deputy minister, this situation will not last long and is a matter of "a maximum of a few weeks."
When asked if she "still wants" Poland to finance the overhaul of these aircraft, she answered negatively. "No, today we are already discussing an exchange, meaning we are sending MiGs. Of course, if they want to repair them, we are also ready. We are sending MiGs, and the Ukrainian side is providing drones. Such a proposal is on the table today," Sobkowiak-Czarnecka emphasized.
When asked whether the repair would be financed by Ukraine, she indicated: "If the Ukrainian side wishes so." When asked for clarification on the amount, she replied that she would not answer that question at this time. And when asked whether the government would consider a scenario in which Poland pays for the repair of the MiGs, she emphasized: "At the moment, we are not discussing such a situation."
Addendum
At the end of last year, the Ministry of National Defense of Poland and the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces announced the planned transfer to Ukraine of part of the MiG-29s remaining in service with the Polish Air Force. These are now outdated, post-Soviet combat aircraft whose service life is nearing its end — the period during which they can be safely and effectively operated. These aircraft, used by the Polish Air Force since 1989, are now being replaced by more modern ones, but they continue to participate in missions.
Ukrainian pilots have already received about a dozen Polish MiGs in previous years, and now Ukraine is expected to receive several more, the publication writes. In return, Poland was to gain access to some drone technologies that are being intensively developed and tested on the front line to defend against the Russian invasion.