Poles give jets, but want UK Typhoons

POLAND yesterday pledged to provide Ukraine with fighter jets within ‘four to six weeks’ – a move which could see British Typhoon aircraft taking their place.

Ukrainian pilots are accustomed to the Polish MiG-29s as the planes also form part of their air force. Poland is hoping Nato allies pass on surplus aircraft to replace them.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has suggested he is willing to send Typhoons to backfill contributions to Ukraine.

Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said the delivery of the jets to Ukraine ‘could happen in the coming four to six weeks’, while Slovakia may also send its MiG-29s as part of the arrangement. Poland has sent 1 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but officials indicated it would be sending fewer MiG-29s.