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My understanding is: 1. Ukraine forces know how to pilot MIG29s 2. Poland has MIG-29s, USA does not 3. Poland has time to retrain on newer equipment, Ukraine
by ldoughty 5y ago
My understanding is:
1. Ukraine forces know how to pilot MIG29s
2. Poland has MIG-29s, USA does not
3. Poland has time to retrain on newer equipment, Ukraine does not
4. Poland doesn't want to be defenseless, if it gives aircraft to Ukraine.
So Poland gives Ukraine exactly what they need right now... USA agrees to aid Poland in replacement aircraft.
This isn't about "USA didn't give Ukraine aircraft", Poland did! It's about getting Ukraine the aircraft they know how to use right now
- ckozlowski 5y agoTo add to this and the comment above: Poland also flies the F-16. There'd been some commentary earlier in which Poland said they'd be willing to divest themselves of their MiGs if they can get F-16s to replace them in order to maintain their force level requirements. My guess is that this transfer of the MiGs to the U.S. is to facilitate this exchange in a rapid manner that would take too long through regular procurement processes.
- glfharris 5y agoThis is how I see it too. It'll be obvious to anyone where those aircraft have come from. Poland isn't going to deflect responsibility this way. Poland can't afford to donate it's air power so readily, but the USA allows them to with this move. It will also shift their military to be more on spec with other NATO countries.