The four MiG-29 fighters Poland is sending to Ukraine can be deployed immediately by the Ukrainian Air Force. “They already have the MiG-29s themselves, so they know how that system works. They can fly it and they can maintain it,’ says defense specialist Peter Wijninga of the Center for Strategic Studies in The Hague.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has long been calling for F16 fighters. Now he is the first to receive a number of Russian-made MiGs. That says nothing about the quality of these devices, Wijninga thinks. “The MiG is in fact the Russian counterpart of the F16. It was developed at the same time and belongs to the same generation of fighter aircraft.’
In a press conference today, President Duda said that Poland will already deliver four fighter jets to Ukraine in the coming days. Duda hinted that more fighter planes could be sent. “The rest is prepared, made ready.”
“They are in good condition and are also used in the Polish Air Force”
The delivery of MiGs is mainly for practical reasons. “These MiGs can be prepared for use faster and, in principle, Ukrainian pilots can fly with them immediately. They are in good condition and are also used in the Polish Air Force.’
For F16s, the pilots have to be trained separately, which also requires more effort in terms of maintenance. ‘It’s not just flying. That stuff also needs regular maintenance and repair. Anyone can.’
Slovakia is also now considering supplying MiG-29 aircraft. ‘Slovakia still has around 28 of these aircraft. And if Poland and Slovakia both deliver a dozen aircraft, that will be close to the 30 F16s Ukraine would like to have.”
Live Blog | Day 386 of the war in Ukraine
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
