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
Transfer of Authority in KFOR
08:59 September 28, 2026
KFOR Tactical Reserve Battalion (KTRBN) of NATO-led mission in Kosovo held its Transfer of Authority ceremony in Camp Novo Selo. During the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Botond Hetényi handed over command of the KTRBN to Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Kiss. This gesture also marked the end of the tour of the Hungarian component of the KTRBN, the 34th rotation of the Hungarian Defence Forces KFOR Contingent as its duties have been officially assumed by the 35th rotation.
Overseas training
16:02 September 23, 2026
Having completed the “Acélkocka” NCO training course in Hungary, Staff Sergeant Gergő Józsa, a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) NCO at the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Center of the HDF 86th Szolnok Helicopter Wing further developed his professional knowledge at the command senior enlisted leaders’ course of the United States Marine Corps.
Strengthening Collective Security
12:52 September 23, 2026
“Central Europe’s strength lies in its cooperation with its partners,” stated László Kürtös, Parliamentary State Secretary and Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Defence, at the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) and Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting held in Slovenia on September 21–22.
From Nyíregyháza to Poland
12:55 September 22, 2026
After several months of preparation, the reservists of the HDF 2nd Territorial Defence Regiment have arrived in Poland. The personnel of the HDF 5th Territorial Defence Battalion set out from the Damjanich Barracks in Nyíregyháza to participate in the international Exercise Fiery Emblem at the invitation of the Polish 11th Territorial Defence Brigade.
The Hungarian Defence Forces keep up with their NATO allies
12:38 September 22, 2026
Hungary represents a stable force among the armed forces of 32 Allied member nations with regard to preparedness, manning levels and operability – emphasized General Zsolt Sándor, Chief of HDF Defence Staff after the NATO Military Committee Conference held in Copenhagen. The Chief of Defence pointed out that the ongoing military development program and the acceleration of training and preparation provide a solid basis for fulfilling Alliance requirements; at the same time, there is need for further developments in some areas.
Military World Championships in Hungary
13:14 September 21, 2026
Hungary will host the 49th CISM World Military Fencing Championships from September 18 to October 1, 2026. Eighteen nations, represented by more than 200 fencers, will compete in virtually every fencing discipline. The World Championships will be organized by the Hungarian Defence Forces, in cooperation with the HDF Sports Company, and managed by the Hungarian Fencing Federation. The event will be held at the Veszprém One Arena.
Hungary’s Voice Heard Once Again in Europe
11:42 September 21, 2026
“We believe in NATO and European cooperation, while not compromising an ounce of Hungary’s national interests,” wrote Defence Minister Dr Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi on his social media page following the IISS Prague Defence Summit. “And something has changed: Hungary is being consulted again. They are interested in our opinion, they seek dialogue with us, and we are once again sitting at the table where important issues are discussed,” the Minister of Defence stated in his post.
Next Stop: Poland!
14:55 September 18, 2026
During the final phase of their preparation prior to their deployment to Exercise Fiery Emblem in Poland, reservists from the HDF 2nd Territorial Defence Regiment 5th Territorial Defence Battalion carried out live fire tactical training (LFTT) in Hajdúhadház.
New Momentum in Hungarian–Turkish Cooperation
14:42 September 18, 2026
A professional delegation from the HDF Joint Operations Command’s Land Forces and a delegation from the Turkish General Staff held discussions on opportunities for joint international training exercises. The Hungarian delegation was headed by Brigadier General Zsolt Molnár, Deputy Commander (Land Forces) at the HDF Joint Operations Command, while the Turkish side was represented by Brigadier General Kamil Tumba, Head of Defence Planning and Project Management at the Turkish Land Forces Command.
Cutting-Edge Hungarian Technology over the Adriatic
14:15 September 17, 2026
At the large-scale Jesolo Air Show, the HDF 86th Helicopter Wing showcased the capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces to an international audience through a dynamic display featuring its Airbus H145M helicopter.