A Hungarian military pilot successfully ejected from his aircraft on Monday after his fighter jet crashed in the vicinity of Szolnok, a city located in central Hungary. The incident involving the Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen occurred for reasons that remain unknown, according to statements from the government.
Minister of Defense Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi confirmed that the pilot survived the crash without sustaining any injuries. The minister noted that the pilot appeared to have taken necessary measures to ensure the aircraft landed on military property before exiting the cockpit. Ruszin-Szendi, who traveled to the crash site alongside the chief of staff of the Hungarian defense forces, stated that an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is currently underway.
Mihály Győrfi, the mayor of Szolnok, indicated that the pilot was likely engaged in routine training exercises at the helicopter base situated just outside the city. The mayor further confirmed that there were no reports of injuries resulting from the crash on the ground.
Hungary currently maintains a fleet of 18 JAS 39 Gripen fighters. The nation acquired 14 of these aircraft through a lease-purchase program that began in 2001, while an additional four jets were ordered in 2024 and integrated into the fleet earlier this year.
