On 30 April 2026, the Saab company announced on its website that Magyar Légierő (the Hungarian Air Force – HunAF) had received two new JAS 39 Gripen C fighters. The delivered aircraft are going to be operated by 101/1. Harcászati Repülő Század (the 101/1 Tactical Fighter Squadron), based at Kecskemét Air Base.
The delivery of the aeroplanes is the result of a contract signed in February 2024 between Honvédelmi Minisztérium (the Hungarian Ministry of Defence) and Försvarets materielverk (FMV – the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) for purchase of four new JAS 39 jets. The remaining two aircraft, according to the agreement, are to be delivered by the end of June 2026.
“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 business area Aeronautics.
Hungary has operated JAS 39 fighter jets since 2006. Once the latest contract has been fulfilled, the HunAF will have eighteen Gripen C and D fighters in its fleet, all featuring the newest upgrades.
Cover photo: One of the newly delivered HunAF JAS 39 Gripen C fighters welcomed at its new home base. ©Saab
The Saab company press materials were used.
