With the delivery of two new Gripen C fighters to Hungary, Swedish manufacturer Saab has completed a contract amendment order for four aircraft that was signed in January 2024.
On June 24, 2026, Saab confirmed that Gripen C fighters landed the day before at Kecskemét Air Base, for filling an agreement signed between the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Hungarian Ministry of Defense.
With its two latest additions Hungary will operate a total of 18 Gripen C/D including 16 Gripen C and two Gripen D aircraft.
This additional 2024 order followed an amendment to the initial contract signed in December 2001 for 14 Gripen C/D fighters for the Hungarian Air Force.
“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 fulfill all mission requirements for at least a decade ahead,” said Lars Tossman, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab business area Aeronautics.
Saab currently has a contract with FMV regarding support for Hungary’s Gripen aircraft, including the provisions for additional upgrades and support for the aircraft beyond 2035.
When the order for four additional Gripen fighters was announced in 2024, Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said: “With the Gripen fighter, Hungary has one of Europe’s most capable air forces. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Hungarian Government and defense industry.”