A historic agreement on the joint development of the Gripen fighter jet has been reached with the Swedish defence minister, Hungary’s Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced in a video posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted that the Gripens are the iconic, multi-role tactical aircraft of the Hungarian Air Force, originating from Sweden and serving as a key asset in Hungary’s defence.
‘Today, we held talks with the Swedish defence minister in Stockholm and signed a historic agreement under which we will jointly work on the development of the Gripen, as well as on several other important bilateral issues,’ the minister said.
He also emphasized that Hungarian–Swedish relations have been elevated to a strategic level, particularly since Sweden’s NATO accession.
‘We agree on many important issues, but there are some key areas where our views differ. Hungary stands for peace concerning Ukraine,’ Szalay-Bobrovniczky stated, stressing that the only solution lies in diplomacy, advocating for a ceasefire and peace talks rather than continuing the conflict. Despite this difference of opinion, he described the conversation as valuable and sincere.
The Hungarian Air Force has relied on the Gripen fighter jets since 2006, when it entered into a long-term lease agreement with Sweden for these advanced, multi-role combat aircraft. The Gripens have become the backbone of Hungary’s air defence capabilities, offering versatility in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, reconnaissance, and participation in NATO’s air policing missions.
The fleet consists of 14 aircraft (12 single-seat and two dual-seat variants), and the Gripen has played a key role in maintaining Hungary’s airspace security, as well as contributing to international NATO operations. The fighter jets are renowned for their cost-effectiveness, manoeuvrability, and advanced avionics, making them a critical asset for the Hungarian Air Force.
The new agreement between Hungary and Sweden for joint development reflects Hungary’s commitment to modernizing its air force and enhancing its military capabilities in line with NATO requirements. This collaboration is expected to not only improve the operational lifespan of the Gripens but also explore technological advancements in defence, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
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