The Hungarian Air Force will expand its existing fleet of 14 Saab Gripen aircraft with the addition of four Gripen C fighters under an amended contract with Sweden’s defense procurement agency, FMV.
The initial contract signing in December 2001 enabled the Hungarian government to lease 12 JAS 39C single-seat fighters and two twin-seat JAS 39D conversion trainers from Sweden in 2006, according to a report from European Security & Defence. Hungary will own the aircraft following lease expiration in 2026.
The expanded fleet will support Budapest in defending Hungarian and NATO airspace. “With the Gripen fighter, Hungary has one of Europe’s most capable air forces,” said Micael Johansson, president and CEO of Saab.
The ES&D report said Saab is providing sustainment support for Hungary’s Gripens under a contract with FMV signed in January 2022. Work includes upgrading the aircraft to the MS20 Block 2 standard to enhance combat and communication capabilities and integrate new weapon systems.
The company also agreed to cooperate with the Hungarian Ministry of Defence in developing high-tech industrial areas and fighter aircraft capabilities and establishing a center of excellence for virtual reality technologies in Hungary.
