Hungarian Gripen to tear the skies over Beja
The Hungarian Air Force Gripen solo display team has been confirmed to perform at Portugal's biggest airshow, the Beja International Airshow. The event is scheduled to take place on June 1st and 2nd, 2024 at Air Base No. 11 (AB11) in Beja. The Beja Air Show is expected to be one of the most exciting events in aviation this year.
The airshow will feature world-class aerial performances by some of the best pilots in the world, including the Hungarian Air Force Gripen solo display team. The solo display team will be coming from the 'Puma' squadron of the 59th Tactical Fighter Wing at Kecskemét and is expected to thrill the audience with impressive manoeuvres.
In addition to the aerial performances, the airshow will offer a range of unforgettable experiences, including static exhibitions that will allow the public to get closer to the most impressive aircraft. Visitors will have the opportunity to see some of the most advanced aircraft in the world up close and personal.
The event will take place at AB11 in Beja, providing an opportunity for the entire family to enjoy unique moments outdoors where the passion for aviation meets the excitement of a spectacular event. The airshow promises to be an unforgettable experience for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
So, mark your calendars for June 1st and 2nd in 2024 and head to Beja to witness the best aviation has to offer.
Hungarian Gripen at the NATO days in 2022
Saab JAS 39 Gripen
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen ("The Griffin") is a highly advanced multirole fighter aircraft that is designed and manufactured by the Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab AB. Its unique delta-wing and canard configuration, combined with its relaxed stability design and fly-by-wire flight controls, make it an incredibly agile and versatile aircraft capable of supersonic speeds.
What makes the Gripen truly remarkable is its full NATO interoperability, enabling it to seamlessly integrate with other military forces and share data and information in real time. As of 2020, over 271 Gripens of all models, from A to F, have been delivered worldwide.
The development of the Gripen was initiated by the Swedish government back in 1979, with the aim to replace the aging Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force's combat fleet. The project, known as "JAS" in Swedish, aimed to create a fighter, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft that would be highly advanced, versatile, and cost-effective.
Saab AB's new design was eventually selected and developed as the JAS 39 Gripen, which made its maiden flight in 1988. The first serial production airplane was delivered in 1993, and it entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. Since then, upgraded variants of the Gripen have been developed, featuring more advanced avionics and adaptations for longer mission times, which have been in service since 2003.
Overall, the Saab JAS 39 Gripen is an exceptional aircraft that has served the Swedish Air Force and other military forces around the world with great distinction. Its advanced design, superior performance, and full NATO interoperability make it a highly valuable asset for any nation's defence forces.
Hungarian Gripens
Hungary has been operating the Saab Gripen fighter jet for over a decade since it first acquired the aircraft in 2006. The Swedish government leased 14 Gripen jets to Hungary, which comprise 12 single-seat JAS 39C variants and 2 JAS 39D two-seaters. These planes are flown by the experienced 'Puma' squadron of the 59th Tactical Fighter Wing based in Kecskemét.
The addition of the Gripen fighter jet has significantly increased the Hungarian Air Force's front-line capabilities, which previously relied on combat equipment from the Soviet era, such as the MiG-29. The Gripen, on the other hand, is a modern and versatile fighter jet that provides advanced air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance capabilities. It has proven to be an effective asset in Hungary's military arsenal, and its performance has been praised by pilots and military experts alike.
The Hungarian Air Force has recently committed to deploying its Gripen jets to support multi-national air policing operations over Slovenia and the Baltic states. This demonstrates the country's commitment to regional security and enhances its military capabilities while also strengthening its relationships with neighbouring countries and NATO allies.
Overall, the incorporation of the Saab Gripen into Hungary's air force has been a successful and strategic move, providing the country with a modern and reliable fighter jet that has improved its national defence capabilities.
