Hungarian authorities have launched an investigation into the disappearance of critical components from eight MiG-29 fighter jets, amid concerns that some parts may have ended up in Ukraine.
Sources from the Hungarian Service of Radio Free Europe (RFE/RL) reported that the missing parts include electronics controlling the jets’ navigation and weapons systems.
Officials from the Hungarian Ministry of Interior suspect that the theft may have been orchestrated by insiders at the Kecskemet military airport, where the decommissioned jets are stored.
According to Hungarian media outlet Bikk, unknown individuals breached the airport’s perimeter, drove into the base, and gained access to the aircraft. The site reportedly houses around 20 MiG-29 jets of Soviet-era origin, previously operated by the Hungarian Air Force.
Concerns have been raised that the stolen components might have ended up in Ukraine, potentially conflicting with the Hungarian government’s policy of not supplying weapons to Kyiv, which is defending against Russian forces.
The government has also initiated an investigation to determine how the disappearance of these key jet components was discovered.
“A police investigation is ongoing regarding the security breach at Kecskemet Airport at the end of July. Simultaneously, the Hungarian Armed Forces are conducting procedures to establish individual responsibilities. Due to the ongoing investigations, we cannot provide further details,” the Ministry of Defence told RFE/RL.
Ukraine, inheriting a fleet of aged Soviet MiG and Sukhoi jets, continues to seek parts for their maintenance, highlighting the strategic implications of the missing components.
The Hungarian MiG-29 fleet was decommissioned around 2010, replaced by Swedish JAS 39 Gripen jets.
