Hungary announced the signing of a contract to procure four Saab JAS Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, marking a significant step towards Budapest’s approval of Stockholm’s NATO membership bid after a prolonged delay of nearly two years.
Hungary, the final holdout among NATO members, had withheld support for Sweden’s application, which was submitted in 2022 following Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who recently conceded to a parliamentary vote on the ratification, met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, emphasising the restoration of trust between the two nations.
Orban affirmed Hungary’s commitment to NATO, stating, “We not only keep our air defence capability but will increase it… which means our commitment to NATO will strengthen and so will our participation in NATO’s joint operations.”
Kristersson echoed Orban’s sentiments, expressing his approval of the deal and the importance of cooperation between the two countries.
Despite Hungary’s prior reservations, including concerns over criticism from Sweden regarding Hungary’s adherence to the rule of law, the ratification process has progressed.
Sweden’s NATO aspirations faced initial opposition from Turkey, but after receiving assurances from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the United States pledged to proceed with the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.
Sweden’s potential role as a key logistics hub for NATO in Northern Europe adds strategic value to its NATO membership bid, particularly given its extensive coastline along the Baltic Sea.
The shift in Sweden’s stance on NATO, from a historically non-aligned position to widespread parliamentary and public support for membership, reflects the evolving security landscape following Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Orban, while maintaining close economic ties with Russia, reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine, acknowledging the futility of a military solution.
Additionally, he expressed support for Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy, advocating for a change in U.S. leadership to facilitate peace efforts.
With Finland’s accession to NATO in April of the previous year, the security dynamics in Northern Europe continue to evolve, underscoring the region’s increasing alignment with Western defence structures.