Saab signed today (23) a contract with the Swedish Defense Materiel istration (FMV) of Sweden with an order for four fighters JAS-39 Gripen for the Hungarian Air Force.
Em note, the Swedish manufacturer says that the latest order is an “amendment to the contract between FMV and the Hungarian government signed in December 2001 relating to 14 Gripen C/D fighters.” With the agreement signed this Friday, Hungary's Gripen fighter fleet will be increased to 18 aircraft.
The additional purchase of Gripen fighter jets was announced while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is in Budapest to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orbán. The two are discussing the final arrangements for Sweden's accession to NATO, which now depends on Hungary's final ratification.
Speaking to the press, Orbán said the Gripen fighter jet deal helped rebuild “trust” between the two sides and indicated that Hungary's parliament could ratify NATO hip as early as Monday. “Being a member of NATO means we are prepared to die for each other. It is based on mutual respect. It was wise to take this process at an appropriate pace”, he said.
“With the Gripen fighter, Hungary has one of the most capable air forces in Europe. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Hungarian government and the defense industry.”, says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab. Saab currently has a contract with FMV related to for Hungary's Gripen aircraft, and is ready to provide additional upgrades and to Hungarian fighters after 2035.
Saab and the Hungarian Ministry of Defense also signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the development of high-tech industrial areas and combat aircraft capabilities. The cooperation includes for the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Virtual Reality technologies in Hungary.
The Puma Squadron operates 14 JAS-39C/D fighters from Kecskemét Air Base, in the central-south region of the country, initially acquired through leasing. In addition to defending Hungarian airspace, the multi-mission Gripen are also used to protect Slovenian national airspace during NATO Baltic air policing missions.
