Offset agreements are a common form co-operation between countries, an excellent way of establishing contacts and a network between the two countries’ industries and companies. 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.

“I am very pleased to confirm that our claim has been approved from the Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport, says Yvonne Rosmark, Gripen International Program Director, Hungary. Gripen International is active in enabling international partnerships to take advantage of the European Union enlargement and Hungary has demonstrated its attractiveness as a destination in Central Europe for investment. The substantial investment obligation reached reflects the continuing growth of international companies in the region and their confidence in the role Hungary can play in an expanding market place.”

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. 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.
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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