Poland halts MiG-29 transfer to Ukraine over broken drone tech deal

Poland has halted the planned transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, citing Ukraine's failure to fulfill its end of a technology exchange agreement. Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk revealed that Ukraine did not deliver on its promise to provide drone technology, a key component of the deal. Consequently, Poland will not proceed with sending the aircraft.

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Let Ukrainians not demand the transfer of MiGs if they have not fulfilled the agreement. This reflects badly on them.

General Jarosław Kraszewski, former head of Rocket and Artillery Forces of the Land Forces, expressed strong disapproval of Ukraine's actions. "Let Ukrainians not demand the transfer of MiGs if they have not fulfilled the agreement. This reflects badly on them," Kraszewski stated in an interview. He suggested that Poland should prioritize its own technological development, arguing that the country possesses advanced solutions.

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We should focus not on new technologies, because there is no shortage of them in Poland. We have many very interesting and better solutions than Ukrainians have.

Kraszewski emphasized the importance of learning from Ukraine's extensive experience in drone warfare. "Ukrainians are perfecting procedures, developing new techniques, tactics, etc. This should be the main driving force for building drone forces in the Polish Armed Forces," he added. He also stressed the need to honor agreements, stating, "If someone signed a document, one cannot treat the content, deadlines, and undertakings lightly."

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Ukrainians are perfecting procedures, developing new techniques, tactics, etc. This should be the main driving force for building drone forces in the Polish Armed Forces.

Tomczyk confirmed that the final batch of MiGs was transferred by the previous government. He reiterated that the transfer of equipment is conditional on the finalization of the technology exchange. "We agreed with the Ukrainian side on technology transfer. If this matter is settled, the issue of fighter jets will be a success," he said, adding that the deal has not yet been finalized.

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If someone signed a document, one cannot treat the content, deadlines, and undertakings lightly.