Stockholm, January 20 - Saab is nearing completion of the first additional JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft for the Hungarian Air Force, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization of Hungary's aerial capabilities. In February 2024, Hungary signed a contract amendment with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration for four new Gripen C single-seat multirole fighters, expanding its fleet from 14 leased aircraft to 18. The Hungarian Embassy in Sweden recently released images from Saab's Linköping facility showing the first airframe in final assembly stages, with deliveries expected to begin in the coming months. This development coincides with the 20th anniversary of Hungary-Saab defense cooperation and the transition of the existing Gripen fleet to full Hungarian ownership in 2026, while Saab continues providing sustainment and support through 2036. The new aircraft will integrate seamlessly with the upgraded MS20 Block 2 standard, featuring enhanced radar, communications, and compatibility with advanced weapons like IRIS-T missiles and Meteor beyond-visual-range munitions.
The Saab Gripen remains one of the most versatile and cost-effective multirole fighters in service today, renowned for its agility, low operating costs, and ability to operate from austere bases. Hungary selected the Gripen to replace its aging MiG-29 fleet in 2006, and the type has since proven reliable in NATO air policing missions, including intercepts over the Baltic Sea. The addition of these four new Gripens strengthens Hungary's contribution to collective defense, ensuring robust protection of national and allied airspace amid evolving regional security challenges.
Meanwhile, the Gripen program faces growing global demand, with recent orders from Thailand and Colombia, and Saab actively pursuing opportunities in other markets. Amid this surge, discussions continue regarding the potential procurement of Gripen fighters for Ukraine. While no final contract has been signed, Sweden and Ukraine have advanced talks on a major export deal that could involve up to 150 Gripen E aircraft, the latest variant, with financing options under exploration. The Hungarian timeline provides a benchmark for potential new-build deliveries to Ukraine, though production constraints and competing orders may influence schedules. Saab has indicated readiness to scale up manufacturing to meet increased demand.
This progress underscores the Gripen's enduring appeal as a high-performance, NATO-interoperable platform. As Saab advances assembly for Hungary, the program positions Sweden as a key player in European defense, balancing existing commitments with emerging opportunities to support allied nations in an increasingly complex security environment.