---
title: "Poland ready to modernize Ukrainian MiG-29s: Warsaw's conditions and the price tag"
description: "Poland is ready to help Ukraine modernize MiG-29 fighters but insists that Kyiv or its allies cover the costs. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced a return to dialogue and the principle of reciprocity following a period of pause in negotiations. 🇵🇱✈️🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-12T08:52:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/poland-ready-to-modernize-ukrainian-mig-29s-warsaws-conditions-and-the-price-tag
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Poland ready to modernize Ukrainian MiG-29s: Warsaw's conditions and the price tag

![Polish Defense Minister discussing the modernization of Ukrainian MiG-29s](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/12/polsha-gotova-moderinizirovat-ukrainskie-mig-29-usloviya-i-cena/polsha-gotova-moderinizirovat-ukrainskie-mig-29-usloviya-i-cena-1.webp)

Relations between Warsaw and Kyiv, which have been clouded in recent months by a dispute over fighter jets, have seen a significant shift. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has expressed readiness to assist Ukraine with the modernization of MiG-29 aircraft, though he has clearly outlined the financial boundaries of this aid.

### Principle of reciprocity and financial responsibility

According to the head of the Polish defense ministry, Warsaw is open to dialogue and technical support. If the Ukrainian side sees a need to upgrade received or transferred aircraft, Poland is ready to facilitate this process. However, the key condition remains the issue of financing.

Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the costs of modernization must be covered either by the Ukrainian state or by allied countries willing to take on this burden. "The principle of reciprocity, the principle of true solidarity, must be observed," the minister noted, commenting on the current stage of negotiations.

### From write-off to transfer: a change in direction

Previously, the situation surrounding Polish MiG-29s looked much more bleak. Media reports suggested that Warsaw might simply write off these fighters, removing them from service, rather than transferring them to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The reason cited was Kyiv's failure to meet the conditions for an exchange involving drone technologies.

The process of transferring the remaining MiG-29 fleet was suspended back in June. At that time, Polish authorities explained the pause as a necessity to resolve technical and political issues. However, now, according to Kosiniak-Kamysz, "there are certainly many more good news than there were just a few days ago".

### Prospects for the deal

Ukraine and Poland continue to discuss the terms of transferring fighter jets in exchange for Ukrainian drone technologies. Despite past disagreements, the Polish side sees good chances for a positive outcome of this process. The Defense Minister noted that Kyiv has returned to negotiations, creating a basis for reaching an agreement based on mutual obligations.