The Hungarian Air Force is preparing for one of Europe’s most prestigious military exercises. For this year’s “NATO Tiger Meet” in Greece, specialists in Kecskemét (central Hungary) have created a visual masterpiece: a JAS-39 Gripen featuring a modern puma design.
When fighter jets from across Europe gather in Andravida, Greece, from May 4 to 16, 2026, for the major international exercise “NATO Tiger Meet,” one Hungarian jet will be in the spotlight. As reported by honvedelem.hu, the 101st Airborne Brigade vitéz Szentgyörgyi Dezső has given its JAS-39 Gripen an extraordinary partial special paint scheme.
The “Tiger Meet” follows a long tradition. Participating squadrons that feature a big cat in their coat of arms compete with specially painted aircraft. For the Hungarian squadron, the puma is the symbol of choice.
The current design was created by graphic artist Gyula Pozsgay, who is best known in professional circles for his aviation history comics. He created a modern, angular interpretation of the puma that stretches across the vertical stabilizer. For the first time, parts of the fuselage and wings were also incorporated into the design concept for the brigade.
JAS-39 Gripen. (Photo: honvedelem.hu)
Despite its striking appearance, the aircraft remains operational. To avoid compromising camouflage and identifiability during active service, a monochromatic color scheme was chosen. Three different shades of gray blend seamlessly into the standard paint scheme and the national insignia.
The journey to the finished artwork was a logistical feat. Transferring the symmetry to the Gripen’s complex geometry demanded the utmost from the specialists at the Kecskemét Logistics Base (the former aircraft repair facility). The entire process took nearly three weeks. The team used 10 kilograms of special paint, 40 rolls of masking tape, 80 meters of masking paper, and 40 meters of decorative film. Each 20-minute painting phase was preceded by 14 to 15 hours of intensive preparation to position the stencils with millimeter precision.
JAS-39 Gripen with Puma design (Photo: honvedelem.hu)
Unlike temporary wraps used by other nations, the Hungarian Puma livery is permanent. This means that the jet will retain this design even after returning from Greece.
Aviation enthusiasts will therefore continue to have the opportunity to admire this testament to Hungarian craftsmanship up close at air shows and parades in the future.
JAS-39 Gripen with Puma design (Photo: honvedelem.hu)
The experts at the former repair facility have once again proven that they are capable of combining military precision with artistic excellence at the highest international level.
Via honvedelem.hu; Featured image: honvedelem.hu
