Zelenskyy explains need for Polish MiG-29s
The president stressed Ukraine’s critical need for Polish MiG-29 fighter jets, which are ready for immediate use and do not require lengthy pilot training.
Zelenskyy and Nawrocki / © Associated Press
Ukraine is awaiting Poland’s decision on the transfer of MiG-29 fighters.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made the statement during a meeting with Polish leader Nawrocki.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that training a pilot to fly an F-16 takes between eight months and a year and a half — during which time the pilot is effectively removed from defending the country.
“The difference between F-16s and MiG-29s for us is simply about not losing our pilots. MiG-29s do not require training because our people are already qualified. That was the issue. The problem is not a shortage of aircraft — it is a shortage of pilots,” Zelenskyy said.