Ukraine wants MiG-29 fighters, Poland says 'not everything is possible'

On November 1, The Kyiv Independent reported that Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski confirmed that Kiev is asking Warsaw to transfer a squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets, but Poland also needs these aircraft because it could become a “frontline country.”

Poland has decided not to transfer its MiG-29 fighter jet squadron to Ukraine. (Source: Polish MoD)

Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Warsaw for refusing to deliver MiG-29 fighter jets to Kiev. The leader said he had previously discussed with former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the possibility of establishing an alliance mission to strengthen the Polish air force.

According to Foreign Minister Sikorski, Warsaw did not transfer the MiG-29 to Kiev because Poland is also considered a “frontline country”.

“Not everything is possible,” he stressed, claiming that Ukraine “already has about 300 tanks, a lot of heavy weapons and Polish aircraft.”

The diplomat said that Ukraine is facing a difficult situation and the West has spent a total of more than 200 billion Euros (more than 217 billion USD) in aid to the country.

Poland has provided more aid to Kiev in terms of GDP than any other Western country – including military , financial, economic and humanitarian aid, as well as support for Ukrainian refugees, and Warsaw “is proud that this policy is a clear demonstration of Poland’s solidarity with Ukraine”.

In another development, Britain and Germany are planning to equip Ukraine's Sea King helicopters with advanced Brimstone or Marte ER missile systems, significantly enhancing the attack capabilities of this type of aircraft.

Earlier, on October 23, London announced that expert groups and the defense industry would work closely to ensure the success of this plan.

“In the short term, we will jointly provide Ukraine with new strike capabilities, supporting the assembly of modern German-funded missile systems for Ukraine’s Sea King helicopters,” the statement said.

The Brimstone 2 missile, developed by the international consortium MBDA for the Royal Air Force, has impressive specifications. With a range of over 40 km and a 6.3 kg warhead, the Brimstone 2 has been adapted for ground-launch in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Marte ER anti-ship missile has another upgrade option. Significantly modernized compared to previous generations, the Marte ER has a turbine engine that extends the operating range from 25 to more than 100 km.

According to Militarnyi , to enhance Ukraine's air force capabilities amid the conflict with Russia, Germany initially pledged to provide six Sea King Mk41 multi-role helicopters in January, while also ensuring comprehensive training for Ukrainian military personnel.

In addition, the UK has committed to delivering three more Sea Kings. The potential missile upgrade would significantly extend the range and effectiveness of the helicopter.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ukraine-muon-co-chien-dau-co-mig-29-ba-lan-noi-khong-phai-moi-thu-deu-co-the-292247.html