Formula one on the ground and formula one in the air
On the 5th August, at one of Eastern Europe’s biggest air shows in Kesckemét, Hungary, the Red Bull F1 race team and the Swedish Air Force Gripen fighter aircraft joined forces to show the more than 100 000 spectators what speed and agility really is. The Swedish Gripen was asked to participate by the Hungarian Air Force as part of the air display at the show. Gripen has been selected to be the future fighter aircraft for the Hungarian Air Force. The Hungarians will see the delivery of its own Gripens early next year. Hungarian pilots have already begun their conversion training from their present Mig 29 aircraft to the new generation Gripen. Also appearing at the air show was one of the new Gripens for the Czech Air Force. The Czech Republic received their first six Gripen this May with a remaining eight aircraft being delivered by the end of this month. Notes to editors: Background: Ever since the early 1990s, when Saab AB (later Gripen International) began promoting Gripen to the Government of Hungary, offset and industrial cooperation have been important items on the agenda. When the first contract between Hungary and Sweden was signed in 2001, covering the lease of 14 Gripen aircraft, an associated Offset Agreement was concluded between Gripen International and the Government of Hungary under which Gripen International assumes the commitment to undertake certain activities to offset the aircraft lease, which is now of course become a purchase Through the offset program Gripen International is dedicated to stimulating employment and economical growth, generating investments, export growth and building sustainable business in Hungary. Gripen is the first of the new generation, multi-role combat aircraft to enter service. Using the latest available technology it is capable of performing an extensive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface operational missions and employing the latest weapons. Gripen is designed to meet the demands of current and future threats, while at the same time meeting strict requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs. Gripen is in service with the Swedish and Czech Republic Air Forces and has also been ordered by the South African and Hungarian Air Forces. The UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet training platform for test pilots worldwide. Gripen International is the Swedish company which acts as a prime contracting organization, responsible for marketing, selling and supporting the Gripen fighter worldwide. Gripen International combines the strength of its international industrial partners, which are among the world's most experienced and respected manufacturers of aerospace and defense equipment. www.gripen.com For further information please contact: Yvonne Rosmark, Program Director Hungary, Gripen International Mobile: +46 734 183950 Email:yvonne.rosmark@gripen.com Anne Lewis-Olsson, Communications Hungary, Gripen International Mobile: +46 734 1813 55 Email: anne.olsson@gripen.com
