On 16 February 2005 the first Hungary destined Saab Gripen made its first flight at Saab’s facility in Linköping. The aircraft was flown by a test pilot from Saab, but was nonetheless decorated with a colored version of Hungary's insignia on its tail and wings.

The first flight is an important milestone in the Hungarian Gripen program and is now followed by a period of ground and flight tests. Deliveries of the 12 single-seat and two dual-seat NATO-interoperable fighters will take place between March 2006 and December 2007. Currently there are five aircraft on the Saab's production line at its Linköping's facility.