The most significant national defense announcement of recent years is expected in the near future: in recent weeks, an intensive series of negotiations took place between the Swedish and Hungarian governments, as a result of which a large-scale military and defense industry contract is in the making.
There has been a major breakthrough in the relationship between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, as it seems that Sweden's NATO accession may be concluded after a long tug of war: the Hungarian Prime Minister spoke at his annual review on Saturday that all plans are ready and all related discussions are nearing completion. .
We have taken important steps with the Swedish prime minister, the prime minister said, adding that the decision can be ratified at the beginning of the spring session of the parliament, which begins on February 26.
According to Index's exclusive information, the breakthrough could have been the fact that in recent weeks a huge military and defense industry agreement could have been reached between the two governments, at the highest level, the Prime Minister's level, thanks to which new equipment can arrive to the Hungarian Defense Forces, and this could also affect the Gripen fighter jets.
The improved relationship between the two heads of government can be confirmed if Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visits Hungary, and although there is no official information about this yet, the Swedish embassy in Hungary is already preparing for the arrival of the head of government, so the visit can be expected in the near future.
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky already revealed in December 2022 that four new Gripens could arrive in 2024. The Minister of National Defense - together with Zoltán Kovács, Secretary of State for International Communication and Relations - spoke about the development of the Hungarian Defense Forces in the English-language podcast The Bold Truth About Hungary and said that we have entered a new phase of military development, and a large part of this is the Russian-Ukrainian war stems from his lessons.
According to him, the main goal is deterrence, so that Hungary can demonstrate sufficient strength both in terms of physical ability and determination.
The authorized strength of the army is 37,500, which must be reached and then doubled in the coming years. They then presented a table that listed the types and amounts of military purchases. Gripen fighters were listed in the very first lot.
According to this, in addition to the already existing 14 Gripens, four more would arrive in 2024.
On the subject, Világgazdaság contacted the Ministry of National Defense to find out how much of the purchase is a fact and how much of a wishful thinking: the Ministry of National Defense in its answer to the newspaper said suspiciously that the contract for the logistical support of the current leased 14 combat aircraft runs until 2026. In other words: the lease of the 14 JAS–39 Gripen C/D fighter jets currently operated by the Hungarian Defense Forces expires in 2026, after which the planes will be permanently owned by Hungary.
Roughly 18 years ago, on March 21, 2006, the Hungarian Gripens arrived in Hungary, which are the most modern and most effective type in the region. The JAS-39 C/D Gripens were the largest force development of the Hungarian Armed Forces following the regime change.
UPDATE: On the Hungarian side, "the will seems strong" to finalize Sweden's NATO accession, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated in Warsaw on Monday, indicating at the same time that he is preparing for a visit to Budapest, but the date of the visit will only be announced after it is confirmed, MTI informed.
Cover image: Gripen in the Hungarian sky
Source: MH 59. Szentgyörgyi Dezső Air Base
