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Hungary receives two Gripen C fighters from Saab under 2024 contract to expand and upgrade air force fleet

By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)

Air |
Hungary receives two Gripen C fighters from Saab under 2024 contract to expand and upgrade air force fleet

Photo: Saab.

Saab said Hungary has received two new Gripen C fighter aircraft, marking the first deliveries under a contract signed in February 2024. The aircraft will be operated by the 101st Aviation Wing based at Kecskemét Air Base.

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The delivery follows an agreement between the Hungarian Ministry of Defence and Swedish Defence Materiel Administration for a total of four aircraft. Saab said the arrival of the first two jets demonstrates its commitment to meeting delivery timelines.

Hungary has operated Gripen fighter aircraft since 2006 as part of its air force capabilities. Under the 2024 agreement, the country’s fleet will expand to 18 Gripen C/D aircraft equipped with the latest upgrades.

Saab said the programme is part of Hungary’s long-term defence modernisation efforts. The company added that cooperation between Hungary and Sweden includes broader industrial and development initiatives linked to the Gripen system.

“With a committed, long-term modernisation programme, and thanks to Saab’s preparedness to invest in an Aviation Development Centre in the country, Hungary will, as a partner to Saab and Sweden, be able to influence, develop and benefit from the continuous development and operation of the Gripen system,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.

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