First sighting of new Saab Gripen for the Hungarian Air Force
On 14 January 2026, the Embassy of Hungary in Stockholm published a photograph on its Facebook page showing a new Saab JAS39C Gripen destined for the Magyar Légierő (HuAF, Hungarian Air Force).
Unfortunately, the image is not sharp enough to identify or read the aircraft’s construction number.
The contract for four additional Gripen fighters forms part of an amendment to the original agreement between Försvarets materielverk (FMV, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) and the Hungarian government, signed in December 2001. That original contract covered fourteen Gripen C/D fighters for the Hungarian Air Force. The order to begin construction of the additional aircraft was signed by Saab and FMV on 23 February 2024.
Since 2006, the Hungarian Air Force has leased twelve single-seat JAS39C and two dual-seat JAS39D Gripens from Saab. The initial 10-year lease was extended in 2016 for another decade, running until 2026. One aircraft, JAS39D serial 42, was lost on 19 May 2015, and a replacement aircraft, JAS39D serial 44, was delivered in July 2016.
In early 2022, all Gripens were upgraded to the MS20 Block 2 standard, with the exception of the replacement aircraft, which was already delivered in that configuration. This upgrade significantly enhanced the fleet’s combat and communication capabilities.
The original fourteen Saab Gripens, including the replacement aircraft, will fully become the property of the Hungarian Air Force at the beginning of 2026 upon expiration of the lease. Saab will continue to provide support and logistics for the Gripen fleet from 2026 to 2036.
Credit photo: Embassy of Hungary (Sweden)