Lieutenant General Zoltán Schmidt
11:22 January 2, 2023Personal details
Date of birth: 30th June 1969
Place of birth: Paks, Hungary
Marital status: married, a father of one child
Education
2015 Defence Management Course (National University of Public Service, Budapest)
2011 General Staff Course (Miklós Zrínyi National Defence University)
2008 NATO Logistics Operational Planning Course (Oberammergau)
2006 NATO Defence Forces Course (Oberammergau)
2006 NATO Staff Officer Course (Oberammergau)
2004 NATO Logistics Course (Aachen)
2002 TÜV Rheinland Academy (Budapest), Quality Management System Referent
2002 Miklós Zrínyi National Defence University, military technology manager
1990 Máté Zalka Military Technical College, combat vehicle maintainer, combat vehicle technology specialization
Military career
2023 Deputy Chief of Defence for Management
2022 Head of office (deputy commander for management), Hungarian Defence Forces Command
2019–2022 Inspector General (logistics), Hungarian Defence Forces Command
2018 Acting Chief of Staff, HDF Joint Force Command
2017–2018 Deputy Chief of Staff Support, HDF Joint Force Command
2014–2017 Chief of Logistic Forces (deputy commander), HDF Joint Force Command
2013–2014 Acting Chief of Logistic Forces (deputy commander), HDF Joint Force Command
2010–2013 Chief of Logistics Operations Directorate, HDF Joint Force Command
2007–2010 Senior officer (deputy chief), Logistic Directorate, HDF Joint Force Command
2006 Senior officer, Force planning division, MoD Force Planning Department
2005–2006 Senior officer, Force planning division, Military Planning Directorate, General Staff
2003–2005 Senior officer for coordination, Logistic Planning Directorate, HDF Joint Logistic and Support Command
2001–2003 Senior officer for planning, Logistic Directorate, General Staff
1999–2001 Service chief for armored and motor vehicle technology, Logistic Directorate
1997–1999 Logistics chief (deputy commander for logistics), 1st Tank Battalion
1997 Company commander, logistic company, 1st Tank Battalion
1993–1997 Company commander, repair company, Logistic Battalion
1990–1993 Deputy company commander for armaments technology, 1st Tank Company, 1st Tank Battalion
1987 Student (Miklós Zrínyi National Defence University)
Decorations
Officer Service Medal, 3rd Class
Service Medal of Merit, Silver Grade
Service Medal of Merit, Gold Grade
Officer Service Medal, 2nd Class
Service Medal for Flood Protection
Service Medal of Merit Decorated with Laurel Wreath
Service Medal for Migration Crisis Management
Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary, Military Section
Language skills
English STANAG 3.3.3.3
Memberships
Hungarian Military Logistics Association, member
Hungarian Logistics Association, member of presidential board
Sunsets and mirages
13:07 June 1, 2026
Hungarian poet Endre Ady summarized the feelings he had experienced along the River Tisza and on the infinite grassland in beautiful poetic tropes of his poem entitled “The poet of Hortobágy”. The soldiers of the Hungarian Defence Forces 2nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Regiment gained similarly moving experiences during their training jumps performed above the airport of Hajdúszoboszló.
Hungary is helping with security across the Alliance
18:23 May 30, 2026
While visiting Hungary, General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), Commander, United States European Command personally witnessed that Hungary is delivering on its commitments in the defence Alliance. Besides evaluating and analyzing the military development program, he also discussed the directions of further development with the leaders of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
Recognition from SACEUR
16:57 May 29, 2026
During his visit to Hungary, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Commander, United States European Command (EUCOM) spoke with appreciation about the Hungarian Defence Forces, pointing out that Hungary has been a valued member of NATO for nearly 30 years. While in Budapest, SACEUR met with Defence Minister Dr. Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi and General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff. He also traveled to Székesfehérvár to meet with the military leaders of the Headquarters Multinational Division Centre (HQ MND-C), the NATO Force Integration Unit Hungary (NFIU HUN) and the multinational NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group (FLF BG).
French ambassador decorates Hungarian soldiers and civilians
15:05 May 29, 2026
On 27 May, French ambassador Jonathan Laĉote presented high-ranking state and military recognitions at the ambassadorial residence. The awardees attending the ceremony were Hungarian experts and soldiers who made significant contributions to the deepening of Hungarian–French relations through their work, and did outstanding service within the framework of EUFOR Operation Althea, in cooperation with French troops.
Hungarian Homeland Defence Day – at NATO SHAPE as well
11:38 May 27, 2026
The NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons recently hosted a ceremonial event on the occasion of the Hungarian Homeland Defence Day. Rich in colorful programs, the event was attended by the military leaders of SHAPE, national military representatives and diplomats, as well as several invited guests of the international community.
Torrent of gold medals for the HDF in France
09:38 May 27, 2026
There was an outstanding Hungarian success at the EuroGames112 international swimming competition organized in Albi, France: Reserve Major Anita Kállay-Nagy, a soldier of the Hungarian Defence Forces 1st Territorial Defence Regiment collected four gold medals at the prestigious international test of strength.
Instruction for trainers
09:33 May 27, 2026
The international NATO Instructor Course opened its gates on Whit Monday, 25 May in Szentendre, Hungary. The event was attended by Chief Warrant Officer Tamás Zsiros, Command Sergeant Major of the Hungarian Defence Forces and Colonel Imre Frankó, the commandant of the HDF NCO Academy.
Special Forces conduct international exercises in May
13:49 May 26, 2026
In 2026, the soldiers of the Hungarian Defence Forces Special Operations Command (HDF SOC) participated in international exercises at several venues around Africa. The objectives of their engagement were to strengthen allied cooperation, develop joint operational capabilities and support regional stability.
Exchange student program the cadets’ way
13:45 May 26, 2026
Every year, students of the Moravska Trebova Military High School, Czechia spend a week in the company of the cadets of the Debrecen-based Kratochvil Károly Honvéd Secondary School and Dormitory in Hungary, this time at the Újfehértó Defence Sports Center. After a 8-km route march, the cadets pitched camp and then, together with their hosts, participated in a range night and a reconnaissance task.
NATO and the EU focus on strengthening the armed forces
12:08 May 26, 2026
“Both NATO and the European Union are concentrating on force development, the strengthening of defence industry and the preparation of the armed forces, while also looking for solutions to settle ongoing conflicts” – stated General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff after attending the European Union and NATO Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session held in Brussels.