On Friday morning, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán announced in a Hungarian radio interview that they had decided to enter into an agreement with Sweden in the defense industrial area.
– It is an extremely exciting and successful meeting we have just had, says Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during a press conference in Budapest.
During a press conference, Orbán calls Sweden a “true friend”. But he points out at the same time that the countries still have big differences. But where there are similarities, you can cooperate. Photo: Zoltan Fischer / Hungarian PM’s Press Office / HANDOUT
Details: The contract quote expires on February 29
According to the agreement, Hungary will now be allowed to buy four Jas 39 Gripen. It will also extend its current support and logistics agreement by ten years, from 2026 to 2036.
Hungary previously had a total of 14 Gripen planes in its possession – twelve single-seat Gripen C and two two-seat Gripen D.
The first 14 plans have been included in a hire purchase agreement and have thus been paid off continuously. But in 2026, the plan will completely pass into Hungarian ownership.
– This agreement will strengthen European security and benefit both countries, says Ulf Kristersson.
– I am pleased that soon there will be even more Gripen aircraft flying in European airspace.
Hungary has leased 14 Jas 39 Gripen of model C- and D since 2006. Hungary thus became the first NATO country to use the Gripen and, according to SVT, has “helped Sweden to make the system fully NATO-compatible” Photo: SANDOR UJVARI
Hungary buys four new Gripen planes
The four additional planes that Hungary is buying are of model C. The offer for the deal has been valid since 2022 and now expires on February 29 – that is, in six days.
According to information to SVT Nyheter, the negotiations have been ongoing since 2021. In July 2022, the government authorized the Defense Materiel Administration to sign the agreement.
The agreement was signed by Hungary’s Minister of Defense and the Director General of the Defense Materiel Administration on Friday.
– We are happy to be able to end this long process today, says Viktor Orbán.
