Hungary has received the first two additional JAS 39C Gripen fighter jets at the Vitéz Dezső Szentgyörgyi 101st Air Brigade base in Kecskemét. The arrival brings the Hungarian Air Force fleet to 16 aircraft.
The new single-seat Gripens form part of a four-aircraft order placed in February 2024 through an amendment to the original 2001 lease agreement with Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration. Previously, Hungary operated 14 Gripens on lease from Saab: 12 single-seat JAS 39C and two two-seat JAS 39D models, which entered service in 2007 to replace MiG-29s.
A ceremony marked the delivery and the 20th anniversary of Gripen operations in Hungary. Colonel General Gábor Böröndi, commander of the Hungarian Armed Forces, stated the jets represent a guarantee of sovereignty and commitment to NATO alliance duties. The first additional aircraft, assembled by Saab, was revealed earlier via photos from the Hungarian Embassy in Stockholm.
Under the updated contract, ownership of the full fleet transfers to Hungary in 2026, with Saab providing maintenance support until at least 2036. The addition raises the total to 18 Gripens for Hungarian and NATO airspace defense.