Roll-out for the first Gripen for Hungary
At a ceremony in Linköping on January 25, Saab presented the first Gripen to be delivered to Hungary. The ceremony marks the progress of a very important program for Saab. Over 200 guests gathered to take part in the ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the presence of the Hungarian Defense Minister Mr. Ference Juhász and the Swedish Defense Minister Mrs Leni Björklund as well as representatives from the Hungarian MOD, the Hungarian Air Force, the Hungarian Ambassador to Sweden. From Sweden, representatives from FMV, Saab and Gripen International were also in attendance.
Image: Leni Björklund and Ference Juhász tie the Sweden/Hungary ribbon.
The roll-out of the first Hungarian Gripen is a significant milestone in the Gripen for Hungary program.
“For us, at Saab Aerostructures, the Hungarian deliveries are important from many perspectives. Of course we are pleased when Saab gets export orders. This means indirectly orders for us as well. The orders might give Saab important reorders in the future and Hungary as user of the Aircraft will show other countries that Gripen is the best choice. I am sure Hungary will make good PR for us at Saab when using Gripen under NATO banner”, says Stefan Rönnmark, Program Director within Saab Aerostructures after attending the ceremony.
In his speech, the Hungarian Defense Minister Ferenc Juhász emphasized that the progress in the Gripen for Hungary program is a result of the fine collaboration between the two countries.
“I must conclude, this is a beautiful aircraft and a technological wonder. I am looking forward to next year, when this and other aircraft will land at Kecskemét air base”.
As a symbol of the mutual partnership between the two countries the Defence Ministers tied together ribbons in the Swedish and Hungarian colors.
The first Gripen will be delivered to Hungary next year, and that event will be celebrated on site in Hungary. A total of 14 aircraft are to be delivered to Hungary.