BUDAPEST - The prime ministers of Hungary and Sweden, Viktor Orbán and Ulf Kristersson, met in Budapest on Friday to finalize a defense industry agreement. The agreement includes the sale of four Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen jets to Hungary, which will expand Hungary's current fleet of 14 jets. In a news conference following their meeting, Kristersson expressed enthusiasm for the deepened cooperation on advanced fighting capabilities and highlighted the significance of the Gripen jets to Sweden.

The agreement marks a pivotal moment of reconciliation between the two countries following months of tensions over Hungary's initial reluctance to endorse Sweden's NATO bid. Orbán, acknowledging the importance of the defense deal, indicated that his party is prepared to approve Sweden's NATO bid on Monday. The extension of support systems and service provision for the jets will further enhance Hungary's military capabilities and allow for increased participation in joint NATO operations, according to Orbán.

The meeting between Orbán and Kristersson signals a positive step towards Hungary's acceptance of Sweden's NATO bid, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening defense ties between the two nations.