Two Decades of Gripen Fighters in the Hungarian Air Force – Knights of the Airspace Safeguarding the Nation
On 21 March 2026, the Hungarian Air Force marks a significant milestone: 20 years of operating Gripen fighters. Over two decades, Gripen has become the backbone of Hungary’s air defence and a symbol of its transformation into one of the most modern air forces in Europe.
From Transition to Transformation
At the turn of the millennium, Hungary faced a defining decision—how to replace its legacy Soviet-era fighter fleet and align with NATO standards following its accession to the Alliance in 1999. The answer came through a partnership with Sweden and Saab.
In 2001, Hungary selected the Gripen, and by February 2003, a lease agreement was signed for 14 Gripen C/D aircraft. On 21 March 2006, the first Hungarian Air Force Gripen landed at Kecskemét Air Base, marking the beginning of a new era.
With Gripen, Hungary did not just acquire a new fighter—it transitioned into a fully interoperable NATO air force, capable of participating in joint operations and international missions.
Building Operational Excellence
Over the years, the Hungarian Gripen fleet has evolved into a highly capable and flexible force. Equipped with advanced avionics, air-to-air refuelling capability, and precision strike systems, the aircraft support a wide spectrum of missions.
Hungarian pilots quickly moved beyond national air policing. As early as 2007, the Hungarian Air Force deployed its Gripen fighters abroad for multinational exercises, demonstrating readiness for coalition operations.
The aircraft have since contributed to NATO missions, including Baltic Air Policing, where Hungarian Gripens have conducted hundreds of sorties and responded to numerous alerts in defence of allied airspace. The latest NATO mission took place last year, when Hungarian Gripen fighter jets were scrambled on 22 occasions, and Hungarian pilots logged more than 400 flight hours in four months, demonstrating the exceptional operational availability of the Gripen fleet.
Continuous Development and Modernization
A defining feature of Hungary’s Gripen journey has been continuous capability growth.
The latest upgrade, known as MS20 Block 2, has significantly increased the operational capabilities of the Hungarian Air Force Gripen fleet. The Hungarian Air Force will be able to choose from a wider selection of weapons: IRIS-T—an infrared within-visual-range (WVR) air-to-air missile; GBU-49—a modern air-to-ground laser-guided bomb; and Meteor—an advanced, long-range, radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) that is superior to others of its type. This upgrade has also greatly enhanced both combat and communication capabilities.
In parallel, sustainment and operational support systems—such as deployable maintenance facilities—have strengthened readiness for operations away from the main air base and improved overall availability.
Expanding the Fleet and Deepening Partnership
As Hungary celebrates 20 years of Gripen operations, its partnership with Saab continues to deepen.
In February 2024, Hungary and Sweden signed a contract for four additional Gripen C fighters, which will be delivered in 2026—just two years after the contract was signed.
Saab continues to invest in Hungary and strengthen the Hungarian defence industry in areas such as R&D, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing. The opening of the Aviation Development Centre represents Saab’s commitment to a strong and enduring partnership with Hungary.
Knights of the Airspace – Today and Tomorrow
For 20 years, Gripen has stood at the heart of Hungary’s air defence mission—protecting national sovereignty while contributing to collective security across Europe.
As the Hungarian Air Force looks to the future—with an expanded fleet and continuously enhanced capabilities—Gripen will remain a trusted guardian of the skies, ready to meet the challenges of the decades ahead.