Ukraine and Poland Strengthen Drone Technology Collaboration
Ukraine has agreed to share its drone technology and counter-drone systems with Poland. In return, Ukraine expects to acquire two MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland. The two nations are finalizing the terms of this arrangement while simultaneously exploring deeper cooperation within an 11-country anti-ballistic missile coalition, which includes:
- Ukraine
- Poland
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Sweden
- Norway
- Denmark
- Netherlands
Deputy Polish Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk is currently visiting Kyiv with General Karol Domanowski, the First Deputy Chief of the Polish Armed Forces General Staff. Poland has expressed significant interest in accessing Ukraine’s advancements in drone and counter-drone technology. Poland joined the anti-ballistic missile coalition in September and plans to deploy P-18PL radar systems with a detection range of up to 2,000 kilometers on its territory.
Ongoing Talks Over MiG-29 Fighter Jets
Discussions about transferring decommissioned MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine have been underway since 2025. Poland initially intended to provide Ukraine with 6 to 8 of the 14 jets scheduled for retirement by the end of 2025. However, on June 17, 2026, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski stated that Ukraine showed little interest in the jets due to their outdated combat capabilities and Poland’s reluctance to bear modernization costs.
Later, on June 30, 2026, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced Warsaw’s decision not to proceed with the MiG-29 transfer, citing Ukraine’s failure to fulfill prior agreements concerning drone technology collaboration. Despite this, Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz later reported progress in negotiations, confirming that Ukraine will receive Polish MiG-29 jets while Poland gains access to Ukrainian drone technologies. Poland may also assist Ukraine in upgrading the MiG-29 fleet.
"The next, and most crucial, step is developing a missile capable of intercepting another missile. This requires the combined efforts of companies and countries," emphasized Cezary Tomczyk, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing defense technology.
These developments reflect ongoing efforts by both countries to bolster their defense capabilities and regional security.
This agreement marks a significant enhancement of military cooperation between Ukraine and Poland, which could substantially strengthen their defense postures. The transfer of drone technology represents a strategic move in response to evolving security threats faced by European nations. Additionally, their joint participation in the anti-ballistic missile coalition demonstrates a unified approach to addressing modern challenges to regional safety.
As the collaboration between Ukraine and Poland deepens, the discussions surrounding the exchange of MiG-29 jets take on greater significance. This partnership not only enhances military capabilities but also emphasizes the strategic importance of drone technology in modern warfare. Understanding these developments can provide further insights into the evolving dynamics of regional security.