Hungary forges military partnership with Sweden Paving the path to NATO membership

Hungary is preparing a major military-industrial contract with Sweden, which could open the way for this country to join NATO.

It also reports on preparations by the Swedish embassy for the visit of the country's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Budapest, Index reports, citing its sources.

"Intense negotiations have taken place between the Swedish and Hungarian governments in recent weeks and a major contract between military-industrial companies is being prepared," the newspaper noted.

It suggested that the agreement could concern Swedish Gripen fighter jets, which are already in use by the Hungarian Air Force. Hungary has 14 such aircraft leased from Sweden. Their lease agreement expires in 2026, after which they will be taken over by Hungary.

Index also reported that "the Swedish embassy in Hungary is already actively preparing for the prime minister's visit, so the visit can be expected soon." Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban invited his Swedish counterpart to Budapest to discuss, among other things, his country's admission to NATO.

On February 17, Orbán, delivering his annual speech on his government's priorities, said that significant progress had been made in the discussions on Sweden's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance. He therefore expressed confidence that Hungary's parliament would soon approve the Swedish bid. The MPs will meet for their first session after the winter break on February 26. Hungary is the only NATO country that has not yet ratified the agreement on the kingdom's admission to the organisation.