Hungarian Griffins will significantly increase their combat capabilities. Yesterday, January 12, the press service of Saab announced the signing of a contract for the modernization of Gripen fighters to the MS20 Block 2 standard.
"The MS20 Block 2 update contains a number of improvements. This significantly increases both the combat and communication capabilities of Gripen aircraft, as well as access to a wide range of weapons that can be integrated into Hungarian Air Force fighters,” the Saab press service reported.
Gripen fighter of the Hungarian Air Force
Image source: saab.com
Last year, Thailand signed a contract to upgrade the Gripen fighter fleet. The MS20 standard includes hardware and software updates. The fighters will receive support for an expanded range of ammunition, as well as improve their "vision— - the radar will be supplemented with new modes of operation. In addition, MS20 provides for the introduction of a Ground collision avoidance system (GCAS).
The fourth-generation JAS 39 Gripen light multipurpose fighter was developed by the Swedish company Saab in the 80s. The abbreviation JAS stands for Jakt - fighter, Attack - attack aircraft, Spaning - scout. The first model of the fighter (Gripen A) was adopted by the Swedish Air Force in 1997, and in 2016 the manufacturer introduced the newest version of the aircraft - Gripen E. To date, JAS 39 Gripen fighters are exported and are in service with the Air Forces of Hungary, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil and other countries.
