SZOLNOK, HUNGARY — A Hungarian Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet crashed near Szolnok on Monday morning. The pilot ejected safely and survived without serious injury. No other injuries or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported.
The crash occurred near the Hungarian Defence Forces’ military helicopter base outside Szolnok, around 100 kilometers southeast of Budapest. Szolnok Mayor Mihály Győrfi said the aircraft had taken off from Kecskemét and that the pilot was likely conducting a routine training flight.
Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi said the pilot was alive and uninjured. He said the pilot had done everything possible to keep the aircraft over military property before ejecting. The pilot was taken to hospital for observation and was reported to be in stable condition. The defence minister and Chief of the General Staff also traveled to the crash site.
The cause of the crash remains unknown and is under investigation. Reports of a possible hydraulic-system problem and a landing-gear malfunction have circulated in local media, but Hungarian authorities have not officially confirmed those details.
The aircraft was carrying weapons, including missiles and cannon ammunition, according to the defence minister. Firefighters responded to the crash site and extinguished the fire.
Hungary’s Gripen Fleet
Hungary operates JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighters. Fourteen aircraft were acquired through a lease-purchase program launched in 2001, while four additional Gripen Cs were ordered in 2024 and delivered in 2026. The deliveries brought the fleet to 18 aircraft before Monday’s crash.
Hungary has operated the Gripen since 2006, with the aircraft based primarily at Kecskemét Air Base. Following the loss of Monday’s aircraft, the fleet stands at 17 aircraft.
Hungary also experienced a Gripen accident in 2015 at Kecskemét. The pilot ejected safely after an unsuccessful landing attempt, although that pilot sustained injuries.
The investigation into the August 24 crash is continuing, and the official cause has not yet been announced.
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