Gripen International has received approvals from the Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport for its latest offset Performance Report. The offset value approved is worth 912MSEK (94 MEUR). This sixth Hungarian Gripen offset claim now makes the total value 4 262 MSEK (440 MEUR). This represents over 50% of the total obligation
Gripen is committed to generate offset to a value of 110% of the aircraft agreement value, consisting of fourteen Gripen fighters supplied to the Hungarian Air Force. The balance of the commitment is to be satisfied through continued investments in Hungary and exports of Hungarian products.
- I am very pleased to see that our Industrial Co-operation Program in Hungary continues to be successful, says Mr. Johan Lehander, Managing Director of Gripen International.  
- We do have a proud heritage when it comes to offset and Industrial Co-operation, and the status  of the offset approved so far shows clearly the offset programme is really working to the benefit of the Hungarian economy.

Among the companies taking part in the Gripen offset program are Electrolux, Ericsson and Semecs.

Notes to editors:

Background: Ever since the early 19pen International) began promoting Gripenf Hungary, offset and industrial co-operation 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.

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