Hungary has received two additional Saab JAS 39 Gripen C fighters, the first deliveries under a 2024 agreement to expand its fleet.
The aircraft will be operated by the Hungarian Air Force’s 101st Aviation Wing at Kecskemét Air Base.
The jets are part of a four-aircraft order signed in February 2024 through an amendment to Hungary’s long-standing agreement with Sweden’s Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, increasing the fleet from 14 to 18 aircraft.
Hungary currently operates 12 single-seat Gripen C and two two-seat Gripen D fighters, which have been leased since entering service in 2007. Under the revised agreement, ownership of the fleet is scheduled to transfer to Hungary in 2026, while Saab will continue to provide support services until at least 2036.
Saab has not disclosed the configuration of the additional aircraft, including whether they will include two-seat variants.
Hungary introduced the Gripen in 2006 to replace its Mikoyan MiG-29 fleet, and the type has remained the backbone of its fighter force since then.
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Separately, the country is upgrading its Gripens to the MS20 Block 2 standard, which includes an updated PS-05/A Mk4 radar, improved Link 16 connectivity and Mode 5 identification system.
The upgrade also enables the use of newer weapons, including the IRIS-T short-range missile, GBU-49 laser-guided bombs and the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile.
