Hungary has taken delivery of its final JAS 39 Gripen C fighter aircraft from Saab, completing the acquisition of four additional aircraft ordered under a 2024 agreement.
The last two fighters arrived at Kecskemét Air Base, following the delivery of the first pair in April. With the completion of the order, Hungary’s fleet now consists of 18 Gripen C/D aircraft, including 16 single-seat Gripen C fighters and two twin-seat Gripen D trainers, which are tasked with safeguarding Hungarian national airspace and supporting NATO air policing operations.
The JAS 39 Gripen C and D variants share nearly identical performance characteristics. Each aircraft measures approximately 14 meters in length, has a wingspan of around 8 meters, and features a maximum takeoff weight of about 14,000 kilograms.
Both variants are capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 2, operating at service ceilings of 16,000 meters, and achieving ranges of approximately 2,200 nautical miles. The primary distinction between the two models is their cockpit configuration.
The single-seat Gripen C is optimized for combat missions, while the two-seat Gripen D is primarily used for advanced pilot training and operational missions requiring an additional crew member, such as a weapons systems officer. Despite the difference in seating arrangements, both aircraft retain full combat capability and can employ a broad range of armaments, including AIM-120 AMRAAM, Meteor, IRIS-T, and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, as well as AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs.
