This article is based on an official press release from Saab.

Hungary Expands Air Force Fleet with Two New Saab Gripen Fighters

On April 30, 2026, the Hungarian Defence Forces officially took delivery of two new Saab JAS 39 Gripen C fighter jets. According to an official press release from Saab, this delivery marks the first half of a four-aircraft expansion order that will increase Hungary’s total Gripen fleet from 14 to 18 aircraft. The arrival of these jets represents a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing military modernization efforts.

Hungary has operated the Swedish-built multirole fighters since 2006, initially leasing 12 single-seat JAS 39C and two two-seat JAS 39D variants to replace its aging Soviet-era MiG-29 fleet. The year 2026 serves as a major transition period for the Hungarian Air-Forces, as ownership of the original 14 leased aircraft will officially transfer from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to the Hungarian government.

We note that this fleet expansion is part of a broader strategy to bolster national and regional air defense capabilities amidst a shifting European security landscape. The new aircraft will be stationed at Kecskemét Air Base in central Hungary, operated by the 101st Aviation Wing.

Fleet Expansion and Modernization Timeline

Transitioning to the MS20 Block 2 Standard

The procurement of the four additional Gripen C fighters stems from a contract amendment signed between the Hungarian Ministry of Defence and the FMV on February 23, 2024. Saab has maintained a strict production schedule for this order. Highlighting the delivery schedule, industry research reports state:

The deliveries confirms Saab’s commitment to its production timeline, with the final two aircraft of the four-jet order expected to arrive by June 30, 2026.

Beyond the acquisition of new airframes, Hungary’s entire Gripen fleet is undergoing a comprehensive modernization process. According to a separate contract signed with Saab in August 2021, the aircraft are being upgraded to the advanced MS20 Block 2 standard. This upgrade significantly enhances the fleet’s combat capabilities and ensures seamless interoperability with NATO forces.

The MS20 Block 2 modernization includes the installation of the advanced PS-05/A Mk4 radar-systems, which improves tracking range and performance against low-trajectory targets and electronic jamming. Furthermore, the upgrade integrates improved NATO Link 16 connectivity and Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capabilities. This technological leap allows the Hungarian Air Force to deploy a wider array of modern weaponry, including the IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile, GBU-49 laser-guided bombs, and the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile.

Strategic Implications for Central European Defense

NATO Commitments and Regional Security

The expanded and upgraded Gripen fleet forms the backbone of Hungary’s national defense and its international NATO commitments. Hungarian JAS-39 aircraft are regular participants in NATO’s Baltic Air Policing (BAP) missions. In September 2025, Hungarian Gripens successfully intercepted Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea without filed flight plans or radio communications, demonstrating the fleet’s operational readiness.

Beyond its own borders, Hungary leverages its Gripen fleet to provide regional security. The Hungarian Air Force jointly safeguards Slovenia’s airspace alongside Italy and contributes to the air defense of Slovakia in cooperation with the Visegrád Group (V4). Expanding the fleet to 18 aircraft allows for higher sortie rates, dispersed operations, and continuous air policing coverage across Central Europe.

Deepening Industrial Ties Between Saab and Hungary

Aviation Development and Virtual Reality

The relationship between Hungary and Saab extends significantly beyond military procurement, evolving into a strategic industrial partnerships. According to the company’s announcements, Saab is deepening its ties with Hungary through targeted investments in high-tech sectors.

Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, has highlighted the company’s preparedness to invest in an Aviation Development Centre in Hungary. This initiative will allow the Hungarian defense sector to influence and benefit directly from the continuous development of the Gripen system. Additionally, Saab and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Virtual Reality (VR) technologies within the country.

AirPro News analysis

We view the 2026 transition from a lease model to full ownership as a pivotal moment for the Hungarian Defence Forces. By securing full ownership of the original 14 airframes and expanding the fleet to 18, Hungary is cementing its long-term commitment to the Gripen ecosystem. Furthermore, the accompanying long-term maintenance agreement with Saab, which extends to at least 2036, provides Hungary with critical cost predictability and guarantees high operational readiness for the next decade. The concurrent investments in local VR and aviation development centers suggest that Saab is successfully using industrial offsets to secure its footprint in Central Europe against competing fighter platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the remaining Gripen fighters be delivered to Hungary?
According to current production timelines, the final two aircraft of the four-jet order are expected to arrive by June 30, 2026.

What upgrades are included in the MS20 Block 2 standard?
The upgrade includes the advanced PS-05/A Mk4 radar, improved NATO Link 16 connectivity, Mode 5 IFF capability, and integration for modern weapons such as the IRIS-T, GBU-49, and Meteor missiles.

Where are the Hungarian Gripen fighters based?
The fleet is operated by the 101st Aviation Wing, stationed at Kecskemét Air Base in central Hungary.

Sources:

• Saab Official Press Release (April 30, 2026)