Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger said the country’s government decided to transfer MiG-29 fighters, as well as Kub anti-aircraft missile systems, to Ukraine. Kiev will receive 13 combat aircraft and several air defense systems developed in the USSR in the 1960s, reports Novy Cas.
Heger announced the decision of the Slovak authorities at a press conference in Bratislava. He explained that such a measure was supported by all members of the government and that the transfer of arms does not contradict the country’s Constitution.
Slovak Chief of Staff Daniel Zmek explained that in recent years the country has had problems with the availability of spare parts and pilots for the MiG-29. At the same time, Slovak Defense Minister Yaroslav Nagy noted that Ukraine has both spare parts and trained pilots to fly such aircraft.
In Bratislava, they hope that instead of the MiG-29s promised to Ukraine, they will receive American F-16s. Interestingly, earlier in Slovakia they announced that they have 11 fighters, including one promised to the museum.
Earlier, Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller said that several countries will transfer MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, and Warsaw will make a decision in a group of these countries. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on March 14 his intention to transfer MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine within the next four to six weeks.
Photos used: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
