Hungary gets more flight time on leased Gripen fighters

Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Sweden and Hungary have updated their Gripen fighter lease agreement to give Hungary more flight hours and updated aircraft.

The new comprehensive agreement allows Hungary 400 extra flight hours per year, increasing the limit from 1,600 hours to 2,000 hours.

Sweden will contribute support to cope with the extended flight time.

The Swedish Defense Matériel Agency, FMV, will also update the 14 C/D aircraft leased to Hungary to the latest version of the JAS Gripen -- Version 20 -- that Sweden currently flies.

Hungary in 2006 initiated a 10-year finance lease with the Swedish government for 14 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft. The deal included training and support. In 2012, the agreement was renewed to be valid until March 2026.

The Gripen is single-engine fighter manufactured by Saab. It has a maximum speed if 1,370 miles per hour at altitude and a combat radius of 497 miles.