The MiG-29 fighter jets that Ukraine wants were developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and several countries in Eastern Europe still use them. Poland has also had F-16s since 2006. The country has now ordered F-35s, which are to be delivered from 2024 and replace the outdated MiG-29s.
By giving the MiG-29s to Ukraine already now, Poland would temporarily have fewer fighter jets in the coming years. The Polish government wants a guarantee that the US will fill that gap with F-16s.
No problem
According to the White House, the Polish conditions are being worked on. “We are looking at the possibilities of replenishing Poland’s fleet if the country decides to deliver aircraft to Ukraine,” a spokesman told Politico.
On principle, the White House “does not object in any way” to the delivery of Polish fighter jets. The spokesman does point to problems with its transport, because Russia has announced that it will attack convoys with weapons if they enter Ukraine.
According to the White House, talks are still ongoing with Poland and NATO partners about the delivery of fighter jets.
Russian air superiority
The Ukrainian Air Force is much smaller than the Russian one. Last year dear The Military Balance the number of Ukrainian fighters at 98, compared to 1511 of Russia. Ukraine also has drones developed by Turkey.
The Ukrainian army released images of drone attacks on Russian soldiers during the war:
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