Hungarian air force Gripen jet crashes, pilot ejects safely, prime minister says

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — A Hungarian military pilot ejected safely from his fighter jet after it crashed on Monday, according to Prime Minister Péter Magyar. The Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen crashed near the city of Szolnok in central Hungary, though the cause of the incident remains unknown at this time. An investigation into the crash is currently underway.

Defense Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi was en route to the crash site, along with the chief of staff of the Hungarian defense forces. Ruszin-Szendi stated that the pilot was "alive and has not sustained any injuries," adding that the pilot had done everything possible to ensure the aircraft landed on military property. Szolnok Mayor Mihály Győrfi, speaking to local media, confirmed that the pilot was likely conducting routine training at the nearby helicopter base when the crash occurred.

No injuries were reported as a result of the crash. Hungary operates a fleet of 18 JAS 39 Gripen fighters, with 14 of these aircraft acquired through a lease-purchase program initiated in 2001, and four others joining the fleet this year.