The Government Offices state that Hungary has leased Swedish Gripen aircraft since 2006, comprising twelve Gripen C and two twin-seat Gripen D aircraft. The fourteen aircraft, which Hungary has operated under a hire-purchase agreement, will transfer fully into Hungarian ownership at the start of 2026. In addition to these, Hungary is now purchasing a further four new Gripen aircraft.
"The JAS 39 Gripen is a source of Swedish pride, and one of the assets we will bring with us into NATO, alongside submarine capability, radar technology, and much else. It pleases me that even more Gripens will soon be flying in European airspace," said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in the government's press release.
Under the agreement, Sweden will also provide support and logistics for the aircraft from 2026 to 2036.
"Hungary has over the years been a valued member of the Gripen family, and Hungary's highly professional air force has made valuable contributions to the development of the Gripen system. Sweden looks forward to a continued and deepened cooperation with Hungary in the field of defence," said Defence Minister Pål Jonson in the government's press release.
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed an agreement with Saab for the order of an additional four aircraft of the JAS 39 C Gripen type for Hungary.
"We have had a close cooperation with Hungary on the JAS 39 Gripen since 2001. The agreements we sign today will significantly increase Hungary's capability," said Lars Helmrich, Head of FMV's Aviation and Space business area, in FMV's press release.
FMV states that the order for the four combat aircraft follows from a supplementary agreement to the contract that FMV and the Hungarian government signed in December 2001 for 14 JAS 39 C/D aircraft for the Hungarian Air Force.
On 23 February 2024, FMV and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence signed the supplementary contract for the order of an additional four aircraft. With this new contract amendment, Hungary will operate a total of 18 Gripen C/D aircraft to protect and defend both Hungarian airspace and NATO airspace, the authority states.
"Today's agreement is the first of several agreements required. Agreements on extended logistical support, ongoing upgrades, and training through to 2035 will be signed separately with Saab and other parties," said Lars Helmrich in FMV's press release.
In a press release from Saab, the company states that Saab and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence have also signed a letter of intent regarding capability development linked to high-technology industry and combat aviation. As part of the cooperation, the establishment of a new knowledge centre for virtual reality (VR) technology in Hungary is also being supported.
"With the Gripen, Hungary has one of Europe's most capable air forces. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Hungarian government and defence industry," said Micael Johansson, Saab's President and Chief Executive Officer, in the company's press release.