Hungarian Air Force Gripen confirmed for Sanicole Airshow 2026
The International Sanicole Airshow has confirmed the participation of a Hungarian Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen for its 2026 edition, to be held at Sanicole Airfield, Hechtel-Eksel, on 12 and 13 September. It adds another modern military fast jet to a show that is already building around a clear Belgian theme.
This one makes sense beyond the aircraft itself. Sanicole’s first announced theme for 2026 is the 75th anniversary of the Belgian 31 Tiger Squadron, and the Hungarian Gripen arrives with a direct Tiger connection of its own through the Puma unit at Kecskemét.
Hungarian Air Force JAS 39C Gripen Solo Display at the Nato & Czech Air Force Days 2020
A Tiger connection
Hungary’s Gripens are operated by the 59th Tactical Wing at Kecskemét Air Base. Within the wing, the Puma squadron carries the tiger emblem and is a member of the NATO Tiger Association.
That connection places the Hungarian fighter neatly within Sanicole’s 2026 focus on the Tiger community and the anniversary of Belgium’s own 31 Squadron, long associated with Kleine-Brogel and NATO Tiger Meet participation.
Hungarian Gripens
Hungary introduced the Saab Gripen into service in 2006 under a lease agreement covering 14 aircraft, a mix of JAS-39C single-seat and JAS-39D two-seat variants. The fleet forms the backbone of the country’s air defence capability and operates from Kecskemét in central Hungary.
The type has also been used in NATO air policing rotations over the Baltic region, and Hungary has provided air policing coverage for Slovenian airspace since 2014 under a regional NATO arrangement.
In February 2024 Hungary ordered four additional Gripen C aircraft, expanding the fleet to 18 once deliveries are completed.
The aircraft
The JAS-39 Gripen was developed by Saab as a lightweight multirole fighter designed for dispersed operations and high sortie generation rates. Its delta wing and canard configuration give the aircraft its characteristic handling profile, while a single Volvo RM12 turbofan provides the power.
Gripen operators today include Sweden, Hungary, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Brazil and Thailand, with the aircraft regularly appearing in NATO exercises and European air policing rotations.
Sanicole Airshow 2026
The International Sanicole Airshow takes place annually at Sanicole Airfield near Hechtel-Eksel in northern Belgium. The weekend traditionally features the Saturday sunset airshow followed by the main daytime programme on Sunday.
The 2026 edition will include a focus on the 75th anniversary of 31 Tiger Squadron, bringing several NATO Tiger Association participants into the programme.
The Hungarian Gripen adds a frontline European fighter with a direct Tiger connection to that theme.
The Hungarian Air Force Gripen brings a current European frontline fighter to the Sanicole programme, with a natural link to the show’s 31 Tiger Squadron anniversary theme. Operated by the Puma unit at Kecskemét, the aircraft adds another NATO Tiger presence to the 2026 line-up at Hechtel-Eksel.
For the latest confirmed participants and event details, visit our preview page by clicking here. The official Sanicole Airshow website can be found by clicking here.
