Hungarian fighter jets were scrambled after an Israeli passenger aircraft failed to establish contact with civilian air traffic controllers while flying through Hungarian airspace, according to a statement published by Prime Minister PĂ©ter Magyar.

The incident prompted NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre to order the highest level of alert for the Hungarian Defence Forces, leading to the launch of a pair of JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets.

Israeli airliner triggered emergency response

The aircraft involved was an Airbus A321 operating a scheduled flight between Tel Aviv and Prague. According to the Prime Minister, the aircraft failed to respond to civilian air traffic control communications, prompting NATO authorities to activate standard air policing procedures.

The Hungarian Air Force’s Gripen fighter jets were immediately deployed to identify the aircraft and establish visual contact with its crew.

Shortly after take-off, the Hungarian pilots successfully made visual contact with the passenger plane. Following the interception, the Airbus crew re-established radio communication with Hungarian ground controllers.

Fighter jets escorted aircraft to the border

In line with standard NATO air policing protocols, the Gripens escorted the aircraft until it reached Hungary’s airspace boundary.

The Airbus continued along its planned route and exited Hungarian airspace towards Austria at 20:10. No further irregularities were reported during the flight.

After completing the mission, the Hungarian fighter jets safely returned to their home base in Kecskemét.

NATO and Hungarian air defence systems worked as intended

PĂ©ter Magyar stressed that both the Hungarian Defence Forces’ air policing readiness service and NATO’s integrated air defence system functioned effectively throughout the incident.

The Prime Minister’s statement indicates that the alert was precautionary and that the situation was resolved once communication with the passenger aircraft was restored.

While such incidents are relatively rare, NATO air policing missions routinely involve the interception and identification of civilian or military aircraft that fail to maintain required communication with air traffic control.

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