The Hungarian Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on 23 February 2024 for four additional Gripen C fighters, manufacturer Saab announced the same day.
The Hungarian Air Force currently operates a fast jet combat fleet consisting of leased Saab Gripens, comprising 12 JAS 39C single-seat fighters and two twin-seat JAS 39D conversion trainers. These aircraft entered service in 2006 and will be owned by Hungary once the lease deal expires in 2026.
“With the Gripen fighter, Hungary has one of Europe’s most capable air forces,” Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson was quoted as stating in a Saab press release. “We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Hungarian government and defence industry,” he added.
Saab additionally noted that it has a contract with the FMV regarding support for Hungary’s Gripens and is ready to provide additional upgrades and support for the Hungarian fighters beyond 2035.
In January 2022 Hungary reached a deal with the FMV to upgrade its Gripen C/Ds to the latest MS20 Block 2 standard, increasing the aircraft’s combat and communication capabilities and widening the range of weapons that can be integrated onto them.
Saab and the Hungarian MoD have also signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the development of high-tech industrial areas and fighter capabilities. The co-operation includes support for the establishment of a centre of excellence for virtual reality technologies in Hungary.
