Hungary has signed a deal to purchase four Saab JAS Gripen fighter jets from Sweden. This comes after Hungary finally prepared to approve Sweden’s bid to join NATO, following almost two years of delays. Hungary, the last NATO member to hold out against Sweden’s application, made the decision in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to discuss the deal, stating that it will strengthen Hungary’s air defense capability and commitment to NATO. Orban, whose government has close economic ties with Russia, had previously delayed the ratification due to grievances over Sweden’s criticism of Hungary’s rule-of-law record.
Sweden’s shift towards NATO membership, previously unthinkable for many Swedes, gained momentum after the Social Democrats changed their stance. Now, NATO membership has majority support in parliament and among the public. With Sweden’s strategic location on the Baltic Sea, it could serve as a vital logistics hub for NATO in Northern Europe.
Despite his refusal to send weapons to Ukraine and criticism of western sanctions against Russia, Orban endorsed Donald Trump’s bid for the U.S. presidency. He called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that military force would not bring a solution to the conflict.
Finland, which shares a border with Russia, joined NATO last year. These developments signal a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of Northern Europe.