Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad says that Slovakia is considering donating its fleet of 11 Soviet-era MiG-29 warplanes to Ukraine. On Monday he added that “We can discuss the future" of the fighter jets when they're permanently grounded “most probably” by September 1st.

Slovakia is a longtime friend and ally of Ukraine. And has supplied them with heavy weapons since the Russian invasion. Its donations include a still viable Soviet-era S-300 air defense system. And military helicopters along with thousands of Grad multiple-rocket launcher rockets. Ukraine recently bought self-propelled howitzers from Slovakia.

The Slovak Republic (Slovenská Republika) or Slovakia is landlocked. And borders Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, and Hungary to the south. It shares a border to the southwest with Austria. And borders the Czech Republic aka Czechoslovakia to the northwest. It has a population of around 5.4 million.

Mig-29 fighter jets 

The U.S. and its allies claim they are reluctant to directly provide Ukraine with fighter jets. Moscow has been warning NATO against supplying Ukraine with combat aircraft. And says that would be the same thing as joining the war.

Britain and the US have both pledged they won’t directly give Ukraine fighter jets. But they both have pending deals to sell Slovakia fighter jets. 

The retiring MiG-29 fleet will most probably be donated to Ukraine. And adjacent countries will defend Slovakia’s airspace.

Slovakia has a signed deal to buy 14 U.S. F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets to replace its MiG-29 jets. But the conflict in Ukraine has postponed delivery till 2024.

NATO allies, and bordering countries Poland and the Czech Republic will be flying over Slovakia to defend its airspace starting in September.

Meanwhile, DM Nad emphasizes the country's willingness to help. “But politically, yes, I can tell you there's a positive attitude of helping Ukrainians with MiG-29s."