Poland set to provide fighter aircraft to Ukraine, marking significant boost in military aid
Poland is all set to become the first nation to send fighter jets to Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in military support for Kyiv ahead of the anticipated counter-offensive. This move could potentially encourage other NATO members to follow suit, fulfilling a longstanding Ukrainian demand for additional airpower.
Polish President Andrzej Duda recently announced the decision in Warsaw. According to Duda, the first aircrafts being transferred are Soviet-era MiG-29s initially acquired from East Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall. Duda noted that although the MiGs are nearing the end of their service life after thirty years, they are still functional and more are undergoing maintenance and repairs for future transfer to Ukraine. In total, Poland possesses 28 MiG-29s, which will be phased out over the coming years and replaced by South Korean FA-50s and US F-35s.
Previously, NATO allies have only provided additional parts for Ukraine's existing fleet of Soviet-era aircraft, wary of causing direct involvement in the conflict by delivering operational aircraft to Ukraine. Last year, Poland proposed delivering all its MiGs to the US at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, allowing them to be transferred to Ukraine, but the plan was ultimately rejected by Washington. Aside from Poland, Slovakia, Finland, and the Netherlands have all expressed willingness to consider providing Ukraine with fighter aircraft.
While the US and UK have so far declined to provide their F-16s and Typhoon fighter jets, respectively, due to logistical constraints, the UK has reportedly offered to provide air cover for any Eastern European country ready to supply Kyiv with Soviet-era jets. Some European countries have adopted a policy of discretion regarding potential long-term military support if Russia's invasion of Ukraine persists.
A senior European official admitted that over the past year, what was initially deemed impossible or escalatory has proven crucial and urgent for Ukraine's needs. The official emphasized that in order to maintain uncertainty in Moscow about potential military assistance, a cloud of ambiguity is being cultivated about the extent of the support NATO allies may provide should the conflict extend over multiple years.
Ukraine is expected to mount a military offensive in the spring and summer, aiming to construct a well-equipped force with the help of western training and supplies. However, deliveries of tanks and other weapons have been slower than anticipated, and the Ukrainian military has suffered heavy casualties in the ongoing battle of attrition on the eastern front.
On the same day following Poland's announcement, an online meeting of defense ministers from over 40 supporting countries discussed the next installment of military aid to Ukraine. Sweden announced that it would be sending ten Leopard tanks, while Norway and the US pledged two more of their jointly developed NASAMS anti-aircraft systems. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remarked, "We are creating combat power to a degree that we believe will provide them opportunities to change the characteristics of the battlefield."
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov stated that the success of the anticipated counter-offensive depends on forcing the Russian military to assume a defensive position, disrupting their supply lines, and neutralizing their air superiority. The rapid delivery of combat aircraft would reportedly speed up the liberation of Ukrainian territory. Reznikov emphasized, "The sooner we receive combat aircraft, the more human lives will be saved."
Following the announcement of Poland's decision to send MiG-29s to Ukraine, discussions about European-leagues' potential involvement in providing additional airpower might arise. The delivery of these fighter jets from Poland, a move encouraged by the upcoming counter-offensive in Ukraine, could set a precedent for other nations in the premier-league to consider similar action.
In the wake of Ukraine's anticipated spring and summer military offensive, swift deliveries of combat aircraft, such as the MiG-29s, could expedite the liberation of Ukrainian territory, potentially saving countless lives.
