Airforces

also noteworthy that TLP instructors commit

to supporting large exercises like the NATO

Tiger Meet [NTM]. Their participation brings a

professional level of training to the exercise. I

hope to see them in Poland for next year’s NTM.

“It is always a great experience to ‘fight’ against

another jet. But here at TLP we also get the

chance to fight with them, which is the best way

of getting to know each other’s capabilities, for

team building, and to ensure success if we have

to go on an operation together in future. The

most modern aircraft is only as good as its pilot,

and that is where TLP comes into the picture – it

will make you one of the finest pilots on earth!

“We have learned a tremendous amount here

in the three weeks of TLP. As for the main

‘lesson learned’, I have to nominate teamwork.

Our tasks here required a team leader, which

could be you or your teammate. We were only

able to achieve the commander’s objective

if we worked as a cohesive, efficient team

doing our best and supporting each other.”

Experienced fi ghter pilot

Maj Molnar, 41, graduated as a fighter

pilot in 1998, serving with the 59th

TFW at Kecskemét air base, around

50 miles (80km) from Budapest.

He added: “I have almost 20 years of service

and I have flown five aircraft types, in countries

including Hungary, Canada, Sweden and

Slovakia. I have flown jet trainers including

the L-39 Albatros, CT-155 Hawk and Saab

Sk 60. I have also had the opportunity to fly

some missions in the backseat of the MiG-

29 and the F-16. I have been trained for air-

to-air and air-to-ground roles from wingman

up to four-ship lead. During my career I have

accumulated almost 1,700 hours, of which 900

hours are on my current aircraft, the Gripen.

“The JAS 39 Gripen is a very modern, agile

and sophisticated four-plus-generation fighter

aircraft. It was designed by a small country,

providing a cost-efficient multi-role fighter for

their home defence, and was updated for NATO

compatibility when purchased by Hungary and

later on by the Czech Republic. The Gripen

provides us with a capable force to defend

our country and to fulfil our NATO duties.”

Gripen in Hungarian service

There were several proposals to provide a NATO-

compatible fighter force following Hungary’s

accession to the alliance in 1999. Considerable

attention went into studying second-hand aircraft

options or modifying the nation’s existing MiG-

29 fleet. In 2001, Hungary received several

offers of new and used aircraft from various

nations, including Belgium, Israel, Sweden,

Turkey and the US. Although the Hungarian

government initially seemed to favour the

F-16, in November 2001 it began the process

Above: 1st Tactical Fighter Squadron ‘Puma’ JAS
39C Gripen serial 34 (c/n 39-3305) with its standard
air-to-air load, comprising two AIM-9L Sidewinders
and two AIM-120B AMRAAMs. Just visible in
front of the port intake is the muzzle of the 27mm
Mauser cannon, provided with 120 rounds. HUNAF
Top: Maj Tibor Molnar from the 1st Tactical Fighter
Squadron ‘Puma’. He is a highly experienced pilot
with more than 1,700 fl ight hours logged, 900 in the
Gripen. All photos Salvador Mafé Huertas unless stated

http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #358 JANUARY 2018 // 53