On 23 June 2026, two new Saab JAS 39 Gripen C fighter aircraft landed at Kecskemét Air Base, completing the deliveries stipulated in the contract amendment signed by Försvarets materielverk (FMV – the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) and Honvédelmi Minisztérium (the Hungarian Ministry of Defence) on 23 February 2024. The amendment expanded the original agreement of December 2001, covering delivery of fourteen Gripen C and D fighters, by adding a further four C variant aircraft for the Hungarian Air Force.
The arrival of the final two aircraft followed the delivery of the first pair announced by Saab on 30 April 2026. All four fighters have been assigned to 101/1. Harcászati Repülő Század (the 101/1 Tactical Fighter Squadron) at Kecskemét Air Base.
The latest, and final, delivery has further strengthened the capabilities of Magyar Légierő (the Hungarian Air Force, meaning that Hungary now operates a total of eighteen aircraft of this type – sixteen single-seat Gripen Cs and two two-seat Gripen Ds. Moreover, with the completion of the programme, the entire Hungarian Gripen fleet has been brought up to the latest configuration through the incorporation of the most recent upgrades.
Saab currently maintains a long-term support contract with FMV for the Hungarian Gripen fleet and is ready to provide further upgrades and sustainment beyond 2035. In parallel with the aircraft acquisition, Saab and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in developing high-tech industrial capabilities and fighter aircraft technologies, including support for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for virtual reality technologies in Hungary. As part of this broader partnership, the Swedish company has also expressed its readiness to invest in an Aviation Development Centre in Hungary, enabling the country to participate more actively in the future development and operation of the Gripen system.
“We are proud of the Hungarian Air Force, which has now operated Gripen fighters for 20 years. Thanks to the support and service contract, the Hungarian Gripen fleet will maintain high availability and be continuously upgraded to fulfil all mission requirements for at least a decade ahead,” said Lars Tossman, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab business area Aeronautics.
Earlier, commenting on the initial delivery in April 2026, Tossman emphasised that Saab’s long-term cooperation with Hungary and its planned investment in an Aviation Development Centre would allow the country to influence, develop and benefit from the continuous evolution of the Gripen system.
Cover photo: The final two Gripens delivered to the Hungarian Air Force ©Saab
The Saab company press materials were used.
