Experts have identified potential buyers of Polish MiGs that Ukraine did not receive.

Analysts identify only two countries in Europe—aside from Ukraine—as potential buyers or recipients of Polish MiG-29 fighter jets: those that still operate these Soviet-era aircraft, as well as Poland itself.

Bulgaria

Poland’s NATO ally still has MiG-29s in service. Despite ordering new F-16s, the country needs aircraft to maintain operational readiness until the new aircraft become operational. Polish aircraft could help bolster the Bulgarian fleet, especially since Polish maintenance facilities have already carried out major overhauls on Bulgarian MiG-29s. However, the price and the questionable technical condition of the fighters could pose an obstacle.

Serbia

The country operates about 14 MiG-29s and is awaiting delivery of the Rafales ordered from France. Polish fighter jets could serve as a temporary solution until the new aircraft arrive. However, this scenario is the least likely due to Serbia’s friendly relations with Russia and Belarus—which supply it with spare parts—as well as potential objections from NATO regarding the sale of weapons to Belgrade.

Poland Itself

The most realistic option remains keeping the aircraft in service with the Polish Air Force. They will remain on duty until the end of their service life or until the new FA-50 and F-35 squadrons reach initial operational capability (expected no earlier than 2027).

This is reported by Defence24.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the issue of transferring MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine remains unresolved for now.

The Ukrainian side is not currently showing active interest in receiving Polish MiG-29 fighters, the delivery of which had been discussed earlier. This was officially stated by Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalevski.