Polish Official Details Delays in MiG Transfers to Ukraine Amid Technology Talks

What happened

Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk told Radio ZET on June 15 that Poland has not yet transferred its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, citing ongoing negotiations regarding the transfer of Ukrainian military technology to Poland. Tomczyk confirmed that Warsaw is prepared to proceed with the fighter jet transfers once these technology cooperation issues are resolved.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. The negotiations reportedly focus on Poland gaining access to Ukrainian expertise and technology in unmanned systems, aimed at enhancing Poland’s drone capabilities. Tomczyk said there is an agreement on technology transfer, but finalization is pending. According to him, the MiG-29 transfer deal depends on successfully settling these issues.

Poland has declared intentions to supply its remaining MiG-29 jets to Ukraine, which has already received nine such aircraft earlier this year. The MiG-29s were introduced into Polish service in 1989 and are now gradually being replaced by more modern Western fighter jets including the FA-50, F-16, and F-35.

Known from the source

• Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said on June 15 that Poland has not transferred MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine yet.
• The delay is due to ongoing negotiations over the transfer of Ukrainian military technology to Poland.
• Poland aims to access Ukrainian expertise in unmanned systems as part of the cooperation deal.
• Poland has agreed to transfer MiG-29 jets once technology cooperation issues are resolved.
• Nine MiG-29s were transferred to Ukraine by the previous Polish government earlier this year.

What remains unclear

This delay comes amidst burgeoning diplomatic tensions following Ukraine’s decision to name a military unit after the controversial World War II-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army, which has negatively affected Polish public opinion toward Ukraine. Despite this, Poland and Ukraine continue close security cooperation against Russian aggression.

What remains unclear: Current status and timeline of MiG-29 fighter jet transfers from Poland to Ukraine beyond June 15. Specific details and scope of the technology transfer agreement negotiations between Poland and Ukraine. Official responses or statements from Ukrainian defense officials regarding the transfer delay. Independent confirmation of the claimed link between the delay and the technology transfer negotiations.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.