A Hungarian Air Force Saab JAS-39D Gripen fighter crashed at Čáslav air base in the Czech Republic while landing on May 19.
The two seater variant was participating in the multinational exercise Lion Effort 2015. The two pilots ejected safely and are unharmed. The fighter had a completely new system software fit, known as Version 19.
The Lion Effort 2015 is being held from 11 to 24 May 2015, and brings together Gripen user nations and several other NATO nations to conduct live flying training.
They train with Czech Air Force fighters, helicopters and transport aircraft as well as an anti-aircraft missile regiment.
The Gripen aircraft, taking part in Lion Effort, are from NATO allies Hungary and the Czech Republic and NATO partner Sweden.
The Czech Republic will also fly L-159 light fighter aircraft, CASA transport aircraft as well as Mi-24 attack helicopters and Mi-171 transport helicopters.
German Typhoon Eurofighter jets and Polish F-16s fighters will support Lion Effort flying from their respective home bases. A NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platform will assist with command and control operating in Poland. Thailand, whose air force also operates the Gripen, will be taking part in an observer role only.
The incident marks the first non-Swedish Gripen crash.
The HAF operated 14 Gripens, 2 of which are twin seaters, before crash. The fleet is leased from Sweden, for 12 years beginning in 2006, which was later extended until 2026.
