VIDEO captures how Hungarian Gripen jets carry out interception missions against Russian aircraft
From 1 August through 30 November, Hungary is once again responsible for patrolling Baltic airspace as a lead nation, and the country’s fighter jets have already intercepted Russian aircraft on their very first mission. Now, a newly released video offers a behind-the-scenes look at what Hungarian Gripen active deployments look like in the far North.
Hungarian Gripens safeguard NATO interests in the Baltics
As previously reported, Hungary is securing the airspace of three former Soviet republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), in addition to that of Slovakia, Slovenia, and Croatia. And there’s no shortage of work. Even before its invasion of Ukraine, Russia regularly breached NATO airspace in the Baltic region, typically flying between St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.
Frequent Russian interceptions
Hungarian jets are scrambled from the Å iauliai Air Base in Lithuania and are tasked with intercepting unidentified aircraft, often Russian or with other foreign markings, and escorting them out of NATO airspace. Why is this necessary? Residents of the Baltic states would undoubtedly feel less secure if foreign military aircraft, especially from nations they may view as hostile, could enter their airspace at will.
Hungary is fielding four Swedish-made JAS-39C Gripen jets, which are highly capable of interception, reconnaissance, and even offensive missions. During a previous deployment in 2022, Hungarian forces intercepted Russian Su-35S and Su-27P fighter-bombers, Su-24M strike aircraft, as well as transport and reconnaissance planes. That mission entailed 19 alerts, 246 sorties, and a total of 304 flight hours, not even including the 62 training missions flown. They’re clearly gearing up for another demanding rotation this year.
Video captures Gripens in action
At the end of August, a video was released showing Hungary’s air patrol operation in the Baltic, from the initial alert to the pilots’ return. Captured from inside the cockpit, the footage reveals the full scope of the mission and highlights the teamwork between Hungarian pilots and their Spanish and Italian counterparts, all working together for maximum efficiency.
Watch the video below:
Read also:
- No hesitation: Hungarians capture Russian aircraft on their first mission
- Hungarian Gripen jets NATO’s largest air force exercise in Denmark
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