Gripen jet crashes near Szolnok; pilot ejects

A Hungarian Air Force Gripen fighter jet crashed near Szolnok with the pilot ejecting safely; there were no injuries or damage to civilian infrastructure reported. Prime Minister Péter Magyar confirmed the incident and Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi said the pilot was transported by ambulance but unharmed, noting the pilot did everything to keep the aircraft on military property before ejection, while an investigation is already underway. The exact cause remains unknown as investigators head to the scene. Hungary’s Gripen fleet, based at Kecskemét, has recently expanded from 14 to 18 aircraft after new deliveries in 2024–2026, strengthening its national air defense and NATO commitments. Authorities have not indicated any interference with civilian infrastructure, and updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Saab markets also noted the incident in coverage of the event.