Hungary completes Gripen fighter fleet with two new jets

Hungary’s Air Force received two additional JAS‑39 Gripen fighter jets at a ceremony in Kecskemét on June 18, bringing the total number of Gripens in service to eighteen. The delivery marks the 20th anniversary of Swedish‑Hungarian military cooperation and fulfills Hungary’s plan to keep the aircraft operational until at least 2036.

The Gripen fleet, now at full strength, is a key component of NATO air‑policing missions, covering Hungarian airspace as well as supporting operations over Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia and the Baltic region. The expanded fleet also enhances Hungary’s contribution to the alliance’s eastern flank, especially given the country’s border with Ukraine.

Saab’s development centre in Hungary deepens the industrial partnership, with the aircraft’s continuous software, sensor and weapons upgrades cited as essential for meeting evolving security threats.