Warsaw and Kyiv advance talks on aircraft-for-technology deal
Poland is negotiating the transfer of its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in exchange for access to Ukrainian drone and missile technologies, according to UNN’s report on 10 December 2025. Under the prospective arrangement, Poland would compensate for the loss of its ageing aircraft with newer F-16 and FA-50 models supplied by partners. The initiative is designed not only to bolster Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression but also to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank and strengthen Europe’s long-term security posture.
For Warsaw, the exchange offers immediate military benefits and deeper industrial ones. Access to Ukrainian know-how in drones and precision weapons would provide Poland with advanced capabilities tested under high-intensity battlefield conditions, helping its defence sector meet the demands of modern warfare.
Modernisation of Poland’s air power and entry into next-generation systems
Replacing MiG-29 jets with F-16 and FA-50 aircraft is a logical step for Poland as it adapts its Air Force to the security environment shaped by Russia’s actions. The transition enhances interoperability within NATO and ensures that Warsaw retains, and in some areas expands, its operational readiness.
At the same time, securing access to Ukrainian technologies allows Poland to strengthen deterrence and responsiveness. Ukrainian-designed drones and missile systems have demonstrated effectiveness against a technologically sophisticated adversary, making them valuable assets for European defence forces. Their integration into Poland’s arsenal would raise combat readiness across the region.
Strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and Europe’s collective security
By upgrading its fleet while supporting Ukraine’s war effort, Poland is contributing directly to the stability of NATO’s eastern border. Increased capability within both countries reduces strategic risks for neighbouring states and reinforces the defensive posture of the Alliance.
The transfer of battlefield-proven technologies also benefits the wider European security space. Enhanced industrial collaboration creates opportunities for joint production, shared logistics and accelerated innovation, helping Europe reduce vulnerabilities in its supply chains and technical dependencies.
Industrial gains and strategic autonomy through drone and missile production
Access to new technologies gives Polish enterprises the opportunity to modernise production lines, expand into the drone and missile sectors and pursue export opportunities. By reducing reliance on external suppliers, Poland strengthens its own defence autonomy while contributing to Europe’s strategic resilience.
The deal offers participating companies clear economic incentives: entering growth markets, increasing competitiveness and supporting the development of a diversified and innovative defence-industrial ecosystem. For the EU as a whole, such initiatives help mitigate the risk of over-concentration of capabilities in just a few member states.
A model for wider European cooperation and defence integration
If finalised, the aircraft-for-technology exchange would set a precedent for other European governments seeking to modernise their military fleets while investing in next-generation capabilities. Similar arrangements could accelerate the renewal of weapons stocks, deepen industrial partnerships and foster a more coherent security framework across Europe.
The partnership also elevates Poland’s role beyond that of a logistical hub. It becomes a technological and security actor in its own right, strengthening its influence within NATO and the EU. Enhanced cooperation with Ukraine opens the door to joint research, shared production and the creation of a flexible, forward-looking defence ecosystem in Central and Eastern Europe.
Ultimately, the initiative underscores a strategic transformation: Europe’s security is increasingly linked to collaborative innovation, and the Polish-Ukrainian partnership demonstrates how defence cooperation can simultaneously support Ukraine’s resistance and reinforce the continent’s long-term stability.
