Saab to upgrade Hungarian Gripens
Hungary has operated Gripen C/Ds since 2006-2007 under a leasing, maintenance and training arrangement with the Swedish government. (Photo: Saab)
MS20 Block 2 upgrade will enhance sensor, communications and weapons capabilities of Hungarian Gripen aircraft.
Saab is to modernise the Hungarian Air Force fleet of 14 JAS 39C/D Gripen fighter aircraft, after negotiations were concluded between the Hungarian government and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).
The MS20 Block 2 upgrade in Hungary will bring ‘a number of improvements’, Saab claimed in a 12 January statement, although it did not disclose when the modernisation programme will be completed.
Sensor enhancements include a radar upgrade to increase the air-to-air target tracking range and performance of the PS-05/A Mk 4.
‘This allows better detection capability of small air-to-air targets, improved clutter suppression, and brings growth potential for further developments in the air-to air and air-to-ground modes,’ Saab noted.
MS20 Block 2 will also enhance Link 16 data link communications functionality and update secure voice communication to the latest NATO standard. The upgraded Hungarian Gripens will also be fitted with IFF Mode 5 equipment.
The upgrade will allow the Hungarian Air Force to arm its Gripens with a broader variety of weapons, such as the IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile, the GBU-49 laser-guided bomb and the Meteor beyond visual range AAM.
Hungary has operated 14 Gripens since 2006-2007 under a leasing, maintenance and training arrangement with the Swedish government.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
![Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers]()
Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
-
![UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines]()
UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines
The first of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, originally ordered in 2019, is now expected to be delivered to the RAF this year after multiple “difficulties”.
-
![Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346]()
Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
-
![US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters]()
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
