Ukraine encounters backlash over obtaining new fighter jets
Ukraine requires superior air power to effectively counter Russian aggression, and acquiring numerous fighter jets is crucial for this purpose. However, Kyiv's efforts have been hampered by several setbacks for a extended period. Recently, another hurdle has surfaced, albeit temporarily, from Poland.
Ukraine has recently started employing Western combat aircraft for the first time in several weeks, deploying F-16 fighter jets to fend off Russian attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praises the F-16s for repelling the latest significant missile attacks. Ukraine aspires to increase its fighter jet fleet in the future, with potential additions of more F-16s and possibly French Mirage 2000-5s. However, Poland has declined a Ukrainian request for additional Soviet MiG jets for now.
According to Polish news source Wiadomosci, Zelenskyy lamented this week that Poland's focus on Ukraine's defense needs has diminished. "We urgently need your MiG planes," Zelenskyy stated at a press conference. He discussed this issue with President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Tusk, but "unfortunately, there's been no positive decision as of yet."
MiG transfer improbable before 2026
Polish Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz acknowledges Zelenskyy's request, according to Wiadomosci. "I understand that Ukraine requires various types of weapons, but our Ukrainian partners must also comprehend that the Polish state must maintain its capabilities. And that's my priority." Regarding the potential transfer of MiG-29s, Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that such decisions could only be made once the Polish air force is bolstered with new aircraft.
The defense minister pointed to the F-35 fighter jets ordered from the US, with the first one due to be delivered to the Polish armed forces this Wednesday for pilot training in the US. The first F-35s are not expected to arrive in Poland until 2026. A transfer of MiG-29s to Ukraine would likely occur around the same time.
Ukraine could utilize MiG planes right away, as Western support with F-16 fighter jets is currently slow due to lengthy personnel training, and Soviet planes could be deployed swiftly. According to media reports, Kyiv anticipates getting around 20 F-16s into the air this year. For effective air defense, Ukraine claims it needs four to six times that number.
According to the World Air Forces Report 2024, Ukraine currently possesses roughly 100 Soviet-type combat aircraft, including about 40 MiG-29s. Poland handed over MiG-29 jets to Kyiv last year.
Doubts over France's Mirage announcement
French President Emmanuel Macron injected hope in June with his announcement of Mirage-5 fighter jet delivery. The goal was to train pilots in France for five to six months starting this summer, with the planes becoming combat-ready by the end of the year. However, there's been little additional information on Macron's initiative since then.
When asked by ntv.de, the French defense ministry declined to provide further comment on the Mirage-5 topic and referred to the Élysée Palace, which did not respond to multiple requests.
The Ministry of Defense simply announced that France is already training combat pilots as part of the European mission EUMAM. For "operational reasons," they declined to provide an exact number. France provides a comprehensive five-to-six-month combat pilot training program at an air force base in the country. According to a report by Euronews, this involves training on Alpha Jet training aircraft. "Ukrainian pilots are being trained for combat operations according to Western standards," the ministry told ntv.de. Afterward, they would continue their training on combat aircraft from other allied nations.
Despite the delay in obtaining additional MiG-29s from Poland, Ukraine has recently started using Western combat aircraft, specifically F-16 fighter jets, to counter Russian aggression. Regardless, Wars and Conflicts have highlighted the need for Ukraine to significantly expand its fighter jet fleet, with aspirations to acquire more F-16s and potentially French Mirage 2000-5s.
