Hungary Receives First Two Additional Gripen C Fighters From Saab

Hungary has received the first two JAS 39 Gripen C combat aircraft ordered under a 2024 agreement with Swedish manufacturer Saab, further expanding the country’s fast jet fleet and reinforcing its NATO air policing capabilities. 

The aircraft were delivered to Kecskemét Air Base, home of the Hungarian Air Force’s Gripen fleet and the 101st Aviation Wing. According to Hungarian officials, the additional fighters will strengthen rapid reaction and airspace protection missions.

The latest delivery forms part of a four aircraft procurement package announced last year. Once all jets are delivered, Hungary’s Gripen fleet will increase from 14 to 18 aircraft. 

Hungary has operated the Gripen platform since 2006 as part of a long term cooperation framework with Sweden. The fleet has supported NATO Baltic Air Policing rotations on multiple occasions and remains central to Budapest’s air defense posture. 

The expansion comes as Hungary continues a broader military modernization effort focused on air defense, armored vehicles, and NATO interoperability. In parallel with the Gripen fleet increase, Budapest is also investing in ground based air defense systems and Lynx KF41 armored vehicle production with Rheinmetall. 

Saab’s Gripen C platform is designed for multirole operations including air policing, air defense, and strike missions. Hungary’s aircraft are equipped to operate with NATO-standard weapons and communication systems, including IRIS-T air-to-air missiles integrated in recent years. 

The delivery also reflects continued defense-industrial cooperation between Hungary and Sweden at a time when several Central and Eastern European countries are accelerating fighter aircraft and air defense modernization programs.