Hungary ordered four additional JAS 39 Gripen fighters in February 2024. Nearly two years later, the first of these aircraft is entering the final assembly stage. The Hungarian Embassy in Sweden released photos from the production facility, noting that 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of bilateral defense cooperation regarding these combat aircraft.
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This airframe is the first of a four-unit batch contracted in February 2024. Under the agreement, Hungary's existing fleet will transition from a lease model to full national ownership in 2026, with Saab providing sustainment services until 2036.
Consequently, nearly two years have elapsed since the contract signing. This serves as a benchmark for the potential delivery timelines of new-build Gripen fighters to Ukraine, should a final agreement be reached.
However, the global demand for Swedish fighters has surged since early 2024. Last year, Thailand and Colombia placed new orders, and Saab is actively promoting the platform to Canada with a localized production proposal.
Consequently, Hungary’s experience may not directly reflect the timeline for a potential Ukrainian order, which could become the largest in the aircraft's history. Nevertheless, it remains unlikely that deliveries of new-build airframes would commence faster than current Hungarian timelines.
Currently, Hungary operates 12 single-seat JAS 39C and two twin-seat JAS 39D fighters, acquired between 2006 and 2007. The Hungarian Air Force plans to upgrade the existing fleet to current standards.
Beyond limited production rates, the Gripen faces another strategic constraint: its reliance on US-made engines from General Electric Aerospace. Saab has indicated that it currently has no plans to integrate alternative powerplants.
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