Two new JAS 39 Gripen C fighter aircraft have been delivered to the Hungarian Air Force, completing deliveries under the supplementary agreement signed between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence in January 2024, according to a press release from Saab.
The aircraft landed at Kecskemét Air Base on 23 June. Following the delivery, Hungary now operates a total of 18 Gripen C/D aircraft, of which 16 are single-seat Gripen C variants and two are twin-seat Gripen D variants.
"We are proud of the Hungarian Air Force, which has now operated Gripen fighter aircraft for 20 years. Thanks to the support and service contract, the Hungarian Gripen fleet will maintain its high availability and be continuously upgraded to meet all mission requirements for at least a decade to come," said Lars Tossman, Head of Saab's Aeronautics business area, in a press release.
As Nordic Defence Sector previously reported, Hungary decided in 2024 to expand its Gripen fleet with four new aircraft. The country had previously operated 14 Gripen C/D aircraft under a lease-purchase agreement with Sweden. As part of the deal, agreements were also signed covering continued logistical support, training, and upgrades.
With the final two deliveries now completed, all four newly manufactured Gripen aircraft have been handed over to Hungary.