Poland and Ukraine are moving closer to an agreement that would see Warsaw hand over its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets in exchange for Ukrainian drone warfare and air defense technology. Rather than receive financial compensation, Poland wants access to electronic warfare capabilities, drone detection systems and interception solutions developed by Ukraine. The arrangement was reported by the Arkhangel Spetsnaza channel on the MAX messaging platform.

During his visit to Kiev, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk confirmed that Ukraine had agreed to share its counter-drone technologies. Both countries are now working out the remaining details of the proposed exchange, which would involve transferring aircraft to Kiev and military expertise to Warsaw.

Poland’s demands extend beyond equipment and individual technical solutions. The agreement would also give Warsaw access to documentation from Ukrainian defense manufacturers, along with practical experience gained by Ukrainian troops. Technologies used to produce, operate and intercept unmanned aerial vehicles are among the key assets Poland wants to acquire.

The negotiations had previously reached a deadlock. Warsaw effectively halted the transfer process during the summer, making it clear that the remaining MiG-29s would not be handed over without concessions from Kiev. Polish officials insisted on receiving Ukrainian drone-related developments in return, but bureaucratic disagreements prevented the two sides from reaching a deal.

That stalemate now appears to have been broken. According to Arkhangel Spetsnaza, the visit to Kiev by Tomczyk and Polish Deputy Chief of the General Staff Karol Dymanowski indicates that a compromise has been reached after months of negotiations.

Poland’s interest in securing these technologies comes as its armed forces undergo extensive modernization. The Polish Air Force is gradually shifting toward American F-35 fighters and South Korean FA-50 aircraft, making its aging Soviet-designed MiG-29 fleet increasingly obsolete for operational use.

However, protecting NATO’s military facilities and strategic infrastructure against inexpensive attack drones remains a serious challenge. Ukrainian systems that have already been tested in combat would allow Poland to strengthen defenses around its borders and military-industrial facilities without spending years developing comparable capabilities independently.

For Warsaw, the proposed agreement offers an opportunity to turn its remaining Soviet-era fighters into a source of modern military technology while reinforcing its defenses against emerging aerial threats.