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After a decade without new buyers, SAAB's GRIPEN-E aircraft has found a new potential customer. Hungary is in advanced negotiations to acquire the fighter, with military sources confirming that the contract is almost closed.
10 years without sales, since Brazil acquired the GRIPEN-E, SAAB seems to have found a new customer for its aircraft. Hungary confirmed that it is negotiating the purchase of the latest GRIPEN variant, with internal military sources stating that the purchase is practically certain and the contract is being drawn up, with only a few details remaining to be finalized. SAAB, for now, has officially stated: “We are having interesting discussions about GRIPEN-E with Hungary.”
The Hungarian Air Force already operates the C and D versions of GRIPEN, planes leased since 2001. In February this year, before the ratification of Sweden's membership in NATO, Hungary announced an agreement to acquire four of these fighters. At the time, the agreement was seen as a quid pro quo, as Hungary was opposed to Sweden joining NATO.
The purchase of GRIPEN-E will increase this capacity, being advantageous for both sides
Currently, the 14 GRIPEN aircraft are fundamental for the protection of Hungarian and Slovenian airspace. The purchase of GRIPEN-E will increase this capacity, being advantageous for both sides, especially given the worsening situation in Europe with the war in Ukraine.
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SAAB has struggled to sell the GRIPEN-E, with European countries preferring stealth jets like the F-35 or other rivals like the Flurry and the F-16. Even though the GRIPEN-E is a more economical combat aircraft, strong lobbying from the United States and recurring sales from competitors make its market acceptance difficult. SAAB has tried to sell the fighters to countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, where it is considered the favorite, but there have been no final decisions yet.
This agreement with Hungary represents a new breath of fresh air for SAAB, which seeks to increase its exports in a competitive market. Furthermore, the sale should benefit the GRIPEN-E production facilities in Brazil, as the contract includes manufacturing and assembly of components in the country for GRIPEN acquired by other nations.
