Saab has delivered a replacement JAS-39D (side number 44) to the Hungarian Air Force on Jul .1.
Hungary lost two Gripen fighters in 2015 and one of them was a twin-seater that is crucial in training new pilots.
JAS 39D is upgraded similarly to the JAS 39C but is a two seater variant.
The Gripen multirole fighter aircraft, developed by Saab, was first flown in December 1988 and entered operational service with the Swedish Air Force in 1997. It is planned that the Gripen will replace all current variants of the Viggen and Draken combat aircraft.
Gripen has been developed by an industrial consortium consisting of Saab, Saab Microwave Systems (formerly Ericsson), Volvo Aero Corporation, Saab Avitronics and FFV Aerotech. A joint venture company, Gripen International, has been set up by Saab and BAE Systems to market the Gripen for export markets. BAE Systems is building the main landing gear unit and wing attachment unit.
Photos by Honvédelmi Minisztérium