Saab to Upgrade Hungarian Fleet of Gripen Fighter Aircraft

Gripen

Stockholm: The Hungarian Government Commissioner Office responsible for defence development and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) have successfully completed the negotiations for the MS20 Block 2 capability upgrade to the Hungarian fleet of Gripen fighter aircraft. Saab, a leading defence and security company headquartered in Sweden, will deliver the upgrade.

The MS20 Block 2 upgrade brings a number of improvements. It greatly increases both Gripen’s combat and communication capabilities, as well as access to a wide range of weapons that can be integrated on Hungarian Air Force (HunAF) Gripen fighters. Sensor capability is being enhanced by a radar upgrade to the PS-05/A Mk 4 which means that the air-to-air target tracking range as well as the performance increases significantly.

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.

The MS20 Block 2 upgrade for HunAF Gripen fleet also enhances the communication capabilities by enhancing Link16 (NATO Data link) functionality and updated voice communication to the latest NATO secure communication standard. Capability to identify coalition aircrafts will be also improved by introducing the latest Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) NATO Mode 5.

This upgrade will allow Hungary to choose from a wider selection of weapons to fit to their Gripens: IRIS-T – infrared Within Visual Range (WVR) Air to Air missile, GBU-49 – modern Air to Ground laser guided bomb and Meteor – an advanced, long-range, radar-guided, BVRAAM that is superior to other missiles of its type.

“Thanks to the modernisation of the Hungarian Gripen aircraft, the operational capabilities of the Hungarian Air Force will be significantly increased. Our staff has appreciated a close and fruitful cooperation with the Swedish side on this specific modernisation project as well as the cooperation during the 15 years that we have operated Gripen aircraft,” said Major General Nandor Kilian, HDF Air Force Inspector.

“During this period of 15 years since first Gripen landed at Kecskemet Air Base, it is clear that the Hungarian Air Force has taken the step to be one of the premier air forces in Europe and is a real contributor to NATO and EU operations. With these changes introduced by MS20 Block 2 upgrade, Hungary will get an even more efficient and powerful aircraft, capable of competing in every respect with any other next-generation fighter aircraft,” said Jonas Hjelm, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Current Issue

 

DSA

Social Media Updates

Recent

IAI Launches AeroSpace Service India, Furthering its Presence in India
27-03-2024

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world-class aerospace and defense company,...

KONGSBERG investing in increased missile production capacity
20-03-2024

  Financial support from the Norwegian authorities and EU’s ASAP...

EOS Defence Systems Partners with Shielders Advanced Industries to Strengthen UAE Defence Manufacturing
26-02-2024

Shielders Advanced Industries representative, CEO Khalifa Ahmed Al Ali, and...

MILAN 2024: International Maritime Seminar 
26-02-2024

Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar inaugurated the International Maritime...

Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 Receives Operational Approval from CASA
26-02-2024

  Wedgetail Aerospace, supported by Schiebel Pacific, successfully obtained the...