Ukraine agrees to share anti-drone technology with Poland, says deputy minister

Drones have changed modern warfare, and Poland wants the know-how to stop them. On Tuesday, Kyiv said yes.

"Ukraine has agreed to pass on to Poland the anti-drone technologies we need," Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk wrote on X. He is currently in the Ukrainian capital.

What happened?

Tomczyk says the talks in Kyiv focus on military and industrial cooperation and on technology transfer.

On Monday he told the PAP news agency that the discussions included Poland handing Ukraine two MiG-29 fighter jets. In return, Poland would get access to drone and anti-drone technology. He described the deal as "close to being finalised", with the details being tied up.

Washington talks on the same day

At the same time, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz is in Washington. He is due to meet Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

He said the visit is key to locating a permanent US base in Poland and to deepening cooperation between the two countries' defence industries. It also covers a service centre for Patriot missiles. Poland's deputy minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka announced in late October that the only such centre for PAC-3 missiles outside the United States will be built in Poland.

Why does the timing matter?

The US is carrying out a six-month review of its military presence in Europe, due to end late this year. Pentagon decisions are likely to hit US forces in Germany, Italy and Spain hardest. Reports say some troops could move to NATO's eastern flank, and the review could lead to a permanent US ground-forces base in Poland.

What's next?

The MiG-29 swap still needs its final details settled. Meanwhile, the army is looking for a company to repair Poland's Newa-SC anti-aircraft systems for the coming years. Poland gave some of these systems to Ukraine.