Poland to scrap the MiG-29 fighter jets it was supposed to hand Ukraine amid growing tensions between the allies

Poland will gradually retire its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets after a proposed agreement to transfer some of the aircraft to Ukraine in exchange for drone technology failed to materialize, according to a report by Wirtualna Polska.

The comments come amid tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw following Ukraine's decision to rename a Special Operations Forces unit after the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). While the UPA is revered in Ukraine for fighting Soviet rule, in Poland it is associated with the Volhynia massacres of Polish civilians during World War II. Polish officials have strongly criticized the move.

Poland's Ministry of National Defence (MON) has reportedly decided the aging Soviet-era fighters will be withdrawn from service as they reach the end of their operational life, rather than transferred to Ukraine.

Proposed transfer to Ukraine falls through

Late last year, Polish officials announced plans to provide Ukraine with part of Poland's remaining MiG-29 fleet as the aircraft were phased out in favor of newer fighters.

According to Wirtualna Polska, the proposed transfer was tied to a broader agreement under which Poland would receive Ukrainian drone technology.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Warsaw had presented Kyiv with "a clear offer" on drones and related technology.

"Initially there was agreement in this area. Today Ukraine is not fulfilling this agreement. We remain ready for further talks," he said.

Kosiniak-Kamysz also suggested the stalled negotiations were influenced by broader political tensions between the two countries, including the recent disputes over historical issues.

MiG-29s remain key part of Ukraine's air force

Ukraine still relies on its MiG-29 fleet for air defense and strike missions. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Soviet-era fighters have been modified to carry Western-supplied precision weapons, including AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles and AASM Hammer guided bombs. 

Additional aircraft from allies have helped Ukraine replace combat losses and sustain operations.

Poland's MiG-29 fleet to be phased out

According to Poland's defense ministry, the aircraft will be retired as they reach the limits of their certified service life and because there are no plans to modernize the fleet further.

The ministry declined to disclose the timetable for the retirements, saying the schedule will remain classified.

The MiG-29 has served in the Polish Air Force since 1989 and is primarily based at the 22nd Tactical Air Base near Malbork. Although increasingly replaced by modern aircraft, the fighters continue to perform operational duties.

The ministry said the Malbork airbase will remain an important security facility, continuing to host helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and allied NATO deployments supporting the Alliance's Air Policing mission on its eastern flank.