Poland to withdraw MiG-29 and Su-22 in a short time – Defense Minister Błaszczak

Poland will stop operating MiG-29 fighter aircraft and Soviet-era Su-22 fighter-bombers.

Polish Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak announced such plans, according to Polish Radio.

The minister emphasized that the Polish army will be equipped with aircraft manufactured in the USA and South Korea.

“It is no longer possible to continue using post-Soviet equipment. We will withdraw the MiG-29 and Su-22 aircraft in a very short time. In addition to American F-16s and F-35s, South Korean training and combat aircraft will appear in Polish aviation,” said Blaszczak, speaking at a military festival in honor of the 102nd anniversary of the victory over the Bolsheviks in the Battle of Warsaw.

The minister said that he was criticized for purchasing new military equipment for the Polish armed forces.

“I am being criticized for buying new combat equipment for the Polish army, because the critics would probably like me to buy the equipment elsewhere,” he said. “However, I am buying battle-tested equipment that guarantees the security of Poland,” emphasized the Minister of Defense.

He also stressed that the process of strengthening the country’s Armed Forces is progressing.

At the end of July, Polish Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak signed a deal for the purchase of FA-50 aircraft.

This deal will equip up to three Air Force squadrons. The first aircraft will be delivered as early as mid-2023.

As previously reported, Poland is about to buy 48 FA-50 light combat aircraft. Their outdated Soviet fighters will be replaced by FA-50 fighter jets.

Also, Poland concluded a deal for the purchase of 32 F-35 Lightning II aircraft on January 31, 2020. The value of the contract is $ 4.6 billion. The contract requires the US to train 24 pilots and 90 ground personnel.

Poland should receive the first aircraft in 2024.