Hungary has issued a request for information (RFI) for the acquisition of new fighters. The move comes amid continuing debate in Hungary and criticism from the US Ambassador to Budapest of a deal to upgrade the country's RSK MiG-29 Fulcrums.
In July, Hungary signed a letter of intent with EADS to upgrade 14 MiG-29s. The USA responded by offering used Lockheed Martin F-16s or Boeing F/A-18 Hornets.
Last week, Hungary released an RFI to Boeing, Dassault, EADS, Lockheed Martin and Saab/BAE Systems for pricing and availability of the F-15R, Rafale, Eurofighter, F-16 and Gripen respectively. The RFI is for either 12 single-seaters and two two-seaters or for 20 single-seaters and four trainers.
One European source says the likelihood is that the companies offering new aircraft - Dassault, EADS and Saab/BAE- will support the MiG-29 upgrade to give Hungary time to select a fighter to remain in service for 30 years, rather than spending the budget on used aircraft that may need replacing by the end of this decade.
Source: Flight International
