How Many MiG-29s Does Ukraine Have Left?
Enough, it seems
For at least the second time in two years, Poland is signaling its willingness to transfer to Ukraine all its remaining Mikoyan MiG-29 fighters. Warsaw has already given Kyiv 14 of the approximately 29 MiGs it possessed prior to 2022.
The Ukrainian air force, which just lost another of its precious few Sukhoi Su-27s, would welcome the MiGs. The twin-engine, supersonic MiG-29 lacks the range of the heavier Su-27. But the MiG’s limited combat range—around 500 miles, half that of the Su-27—isn’t a huge liability in Ukraine’s war of self-defense over its own territory.
In Ukrainian service, the MiGs and Sukhois mostly perform the same roles: air-defense against cruise missiles and drones, precision ground attack with satellite-guided glide bombs and defense-suppression with AGM-88 radar-homing missiles.
The main difference between the types is availability. Ukraine is running out of Su-27s. By contrast, its reserve of MiG-29s is much bigger, especially if Poland sends another 15 airframes.
“Negotiations are ongoing with the Ukrainian side regarding the transfer of MiG-29 aircraft,” the Polish general staff announced Tuesday. Whether the offer is serious remains to be seen. Warsaw wants Ukrainian missile technology in exchange.
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