Saab Secures Contract for Additional Gripen C Fighter Aircraft for Hungary

Sweden’s Saab has officially signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to deliver four additional Gripen C fighter aircraft for Hungary.

The order is an extension of the existing contract between FMV and the Hungarian Government, originally signed in December 2001, which included the provision of 14 Gripen C/D fighters for the Hungarian Air Force.

The contract amendment for the four extra aircraft was formally endorsed by the Hungarian Ministry of Defence and FMV on February 23, 2024. This brings the total number of Gripen C/D aircraft in its fleet to 18. These advanced fighter jets will play a crucial role in safeguarding both Hungarian and NATO airspace.

Saab is not only committed to the delivery of the new aircraft but also holds an existing contract with FMV for the support of Hungary’s Gripen fleet. Furthermore, the company has expressed its readiness to provide additional upgrades and support for the Hungarian fighters beyond the year 2035.

In addition to the aircraft contract, Saab and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration in the development of high-tech industrial areas and fighter aircraft capabilities. This strategic partnership includes support for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Virtual Reality (VR) technologies in Hungary.

In connection with this, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-supported aviation maintenance training program will be launched as a pilot project in the CoE, which is to be coordinated on Hungary’s part by the Defense Innovation Research Institute Nonprofit Ltd (VIKI).