Hungary Purchases Swedish Fighter Jets, Clears Path for Sweden's NATO Membership

Hungary has signed a deal to purchase four Saab JAS Gripen fighter jets from Sweden and is preparing to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO after nearly two years of delays. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had previously delayed the ratification, met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and announced the purchase of the jets, signaling a strengthening of Hungary's commitment to NATO. Sweden's shift towards NATO membership comes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Hungary's decision to approve the bid reflects a significant development in European security dynamics.