Hungary will purchase four new Gripen C aircraft and extend its contract with Sweden to support existing aircraft for another ten years.
This was stated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in an interview with Hungarian radio on Friday morning, SVT reports. He announced his decision to sign an agreement with Sweden in the defense industry.
–“This is an extremely exciting and successful meeting that we have just had,” said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a press conference in Budapest.
Under the agreement, Hungary will purchase four Jas 39 Gripen aircraft. It will also extend its current support and logistics contract for 10 years, from 2026 to 2036.
Hungary previously owned 14 Gripen aircraft – 12 single-seat Gripen C and two two-seat Gripen D.
The first 14 aircraft were part of a lease-purchase agreement and, accordingly, were depreciated on a regular basis. In 2026, these aircraft will be fully owned by Hungary.
– “This agreement will strengthen European security and will benefit both countries,” says Ulf Kristersson. “- I am pleased that even more Gripen aircraft will soon be flying in European airspace.”
The four additional aircraft purchased by Hungary are C-model aircraft. The deal offer was valid from 2022 and expires on February 29, six days later.
According to SVT Nyheter, the negotiations have been going on since 2021. In July 2022, the government authorized the Swedish Defense Technology Administration to sign the contract.
The agreement was signed on Friday by the Hungarian Defense Minister and the Director General of the Swedish Defense Technology Administration.
Hungary and Sweden signed their first hire purchase agreement in 2001. 11 years later, the agreement was extended, and today it is valid until 2026. Accordingly, in early 2026, all aircraft will be fully owned by Hungary.
The first aircraft were received in 2006, and since then Hungary has operated 14 Jas 39 Gripen C and D models. Hungary thus became the first NATO country to use the Gripen and, according to SVT, “helped Sweden to make the system fully NATO-compliant.”
In 2014, an addendum to the existing contract was signed for the supply of additional maintenance equipment to “enhance Hungary’s ability” to participate in international operations.
Which countries have Gripen aircraft in service:
Under direct contracts with the Swedish Defense Administration:
- Sweden: 100 Gripen C. Ordered 60 Gripen E.
- Czech Republic: 14 Gripen C
- Hungary: 14 Gripen C/D
- Thailand: 12 Gripen C
Purchased through Saab:
- South Africa: 26 Gripen C
- Brazil: 36 Gripen E ordered
Read also: Sweden to consider supplying Ukraine with fourth-generation Saab JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighters
