The Commissariat of the Hungarian Government responsible for the development of the defence sector and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) have successfully concluded negotiations on the modernization of the Hungarian Air Force’s (HunAF) Gripen fleet with the MS20 Block 2. Saab will deliver the upgrades.
The MS20 Block 2 upgrades bring a range of improvements. They increase both the Gripen’s combat and communications capabilities as well as access to a wide range of weapons that can be integrated into the fighter aircraft. Sensing capability is enhanced by a radar upgrade to the PS-05/A Mk 4, which means that air-to-air target tracking range and performance are significantly increased. This enables better detection of small air-to-air targets, improved clutter suppression and brings growth potential for further developments in air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. The MS20 Block 2 upgrade for the HunAF Gripen fleet also enhances communications capabilities by improving Link16 (NATO Data link) functionality and updating voice communications to the latest NATO secure communications standard. The ability to identify allies will also be improved with the introduction of NATO’s latest Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5. This upgrade will allow Hungary to select from a wider range of weapons with which to equip its Gripen multi-role combat aircraft: The choice now includes IRIS-T infrared air-to-air missiles (WVR), the advanced GBU-49 laser-guided air-to-ground weapon and Meteor, an advanced, long-range radar-guided BVRAAM superior to other missiles of its type. “Thanks to the modernization of the Hungarian Gripen aircraft, the operational capabilities of the Hungarian Air Force will be significantly increased. Our staff appreciates the close and successful cooperation with the Swedish side on this specific modernization project as well as the cooperation during the 15 years we have been operating the Gripen,” says Major General Nandor Kilian, Inspector of the Air Force of the HDF. “In these 15 years since the first Gripen landed at Kecskemet Air Base, the Hungarian Air Force has clearly made the step to become one of the leading air forces in Europe, making a real contribution to NATO and EU operations. With the changes introduced by the MS20 Block 2 upgrade, Hungary will have an even more efficient and capable aircraft that can compete with other next-generation fighters in every respect,” says Jonas Hjelm, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.
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