Hungary Probing Missing Critical Components From 8 MiG Jets

"Sources told RFE/RL's Hungarian Service that components found missing from the planes include electronics that control location and weapons systems in the aircraft. They added that Interior Ministry officials suspect the theft of the parts may have been orchestrated by those inside the Kecskemet military airport where the decommissioned planes are parked. Hungarian media Bikk, which first reported on the issue, said unknown individuals cut through the perimeter fence of the airport, drove onto the base, and gained access to the aircraft."

"Reports the missing parts may have ended up in Ukraine have raised concerns about the government's policy of not supplying weapons to Kyiv as it attempts to repel invading Russian forces. About 20 Soviet-era MiG-29s, formerly in service with the Hungarian Air Force, are thought to be at the airport. Ukraine inherited an aging fleet of Soviet MiG and Sukhoi jets and is continuously searching for components to maintain its aircraft."

""A police investigation is under way regarding the break-in at Kecskemet Airport at the end of July, but in parallel, Hungarian Defense Forces are also conducting proceedings to determine personal responsibility. In the interests of the investigation, we are unable to provide further details," the Defense Ministry told RFE/RL in response to questions about the incident. Hungary's MiG-29 fleet was decommissioned around 2010 when the jets were retired and replaced by Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters."

Hungarian authorities launched a probe after key components went missing from eight MiG-29 fighter jets amid concerns the parts may have reached Ukraine. Missing items include electronics that control navigation and weapons systems. Interior Ministry investigators suspect the theft was orchestrated by personnel at the Kecskemet military airport, where about 20 decommissioned Soviet-era MiG-29s are parked. Unknown individuals reportedly cut the perimeter fence, entered the base, and accessed the aircraft. Officials also opened an inquiry into how information about the missing parts was leaked. Hungary retired its MiG-29 fleet around 2010 and replaced the jets with Swedish JAS 39 Gripens.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty