At first, Ukraine suggested purchasing Poland’s outdated MiG-29 fighter jets rather than exchanging them. Later, however, Kyiv proposed a different approach — swapping the aircraft for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This was stated by Poland’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Paulina Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, according to PAP.

She explained that Ukraine has already submitted a detailed proposal outlining which UAVs it is prepared to supply to Warsaw in return for the jets. The Polish side is currently reviewing the offer. According to the deputy minister, the assessment will not take long and is expected to be completed within a few weeks at most.

At the same time, she emphasized that Poland does not intend to finance the modernization of these fighter aircraft from its own budget. Nevertheless, Warsaw is open to supporting the upgrade process if Kyiv formally requests such assistance.

Transfer of MiG-29s to Ukraine: What Is Known

Earlier reports indicated that Bulgaria had also approached Poland regarding the possible acquisition of MiG-29 fighters. Sofia is said to be interested in using the aircraft primarily as a source of spare parts to maintain the operational readiness of its existing MiG-29 fleet.

Polish officials maintain that the condition of their MiG-29 jets is “good.” However, analysts from Defence Express have identified at least three reasons to question that assessment. One of their key arguments concerns the prolonged negotiations between Kyiv and Warsaw over upgrading the aircraft. Experts suggest that if the jets were truly in good condition, discussions about their modernization would not have taken so long.