The Swedish Ambassador to Hungary Flies Gripen

After the flight, Saab had the chance to ask Karin some questions about her experience and about her new role as the Ambassador to Hungary.

How was your flight in the Gripen fighter?

The flight was truly amazing! It is so different from flying in a passenger plane; it is like you are part of the aircraft. The plane feels light and also sensitive to the slightest movement of the steering stick, I really felt that when I got to fly it on my own. I did two rolls by myself!

How was your visit to the Kecskemét Air Base?

I was received by Brigadier-General Nandor Kilian, Commander of the Base. He and his wonderful colleagues gave me a briefing about the base and their work. There seems to be a genuinely strong cooperation between the Hungarians and the Swedes. We talked a lot about the Hungarian Air Force, our bilateral cooperation and future possibilities, as well as the Hungarian Air Force’s role in NATO. I got to see the older Russian MiG planes, and I must say it was extremely interesting to see the technological development that has taken place when you compare the 30-year-old MiGs with the modern Gripen fighters.

As the new Swedish Ambassador to Hungary, how do you see your role in terms of representing Sweden, representing a Gripen customer nation, as well as being an enabler of business cooperation between the countries?

My role in Hungary is first and foremost to represent Swedish interests and increase cooperation between our two nations. Because Sweden is well regarded here and thanks to the strong links between our countries, I am always met with very positive attitude. Quite a lot of Hungarians came to Sweden in 1956, and today almost 500 Swedish students study medicine and dentistry in Hungary every year, providing a solid basis for this strong relationship to continue. The Gripen project and all the other Swedish investments in Hungary are very much appreciated. About 12,000 Hungarians are employed by Swedish companies. Business promotion is part of my daily activities as Ambassador, and the goal of doubling Swedish exports by 2015 is something I take very seriously. Sweden has a great deal to offer the Hungarian market!