The MiG-29 aircraft that Ukraine is now receiving from its international partners will only partially enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said during a telethon.
"It all depends on what kind of radar station the aircraft has and the weapons it can carry under its wings - guided missiles, cruise missiles, bombs, etc. These planes (MiG-29 - ed.) - Polish and Slovak - will certainly enhance our capabilities to some extent, but they have nothing of the above - you can't install an onboard radar or modern missiles there," Ihnat said.
According to him, these aircraft require deep modernisation.
"There is a lot to be replaced, and the main thing is weapons and radar. Some communication systems, the friend-or-foe system, and GPS navigation have been upgraded. In peacetime, such upgrades are necessary to facilitate combat missions in NATO countries. But there are no weapons or radar there. Therefore, it is important to understand that we need modern multi-purpose aircraft, which is crucial for success in the war," Ihnat said.
Poland and Slovakia are planning to provide Ukraine with a total of 33 MiG-29 aircraft: Kyiv is to receive 20 from Warsaw and 13 from Bratislava.
At the same time, Poland will not transfer to Ukraine all MiG-29 fighters in service with the country.