Poland is considering handing over its MiG-29 to Ukraine
Polish President Andrzej Duda said that Poland is considering handing over its MiG-29s to Ukraine and joining the coalition to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters, if such a coalition were formed.
Source: Duda in an interview with Ukrinform
Details: In particular, Duda stated that the training of an F-16 pilot is a long-term process: "The preparation of Ukrainian pilots requires long months of training."
However, Ukrainian pilots are "ready to fly almost immediately" on the MiG-29 or Su fighters.
Quote: "Actually, they could just fly home on them immediately. Therefore, without a doubt, if the MiG-29 aircraft are transferred, they will be able to immediately strengthen Ukraine's defence, and this is very important.
Of course, very few NATO countries have MiG aircraft. We still have a few of these aircraft and we will be considering this matter."
Details: According to Duda, there is a "problem" in the issue of Poland's provision of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, since there are "simply not enough of them in Poland, taking into account the scale and overall potential of the country."
He said that Poland is currently waiting for F-35 and FA-50 aircraft, purchased from the USA and South Korea.
Quote: "This is a difficult moment for us, because we ourselves are waiting for the planes. Of course, if a broad aviation coalition is created among NATO countries, then we will certainly also join it. But we have to decide by what formula this will happen to discuss it with our allies".
Background:
- Last year, Poland was ready to hand over its MiG-29 fighters, which Ukraine requested. At the same time, Poland asked the USA to provide it with other planes, but the USA rejected this idea.
- The Air Force of the Armed Forces emphasised that they consider the receiving of multifunctional fighters a priority.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that after the decision on tanks, Ukraine should be supplied with aircraft, and this is an important task.
- The manufacturer of American F-16 fighters is ready to supply its aircraft to European countries, which could re-export the fighter jets to Ukraine.
- Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki said that Poland is ready to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets in coordination with NATO.
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