Austrian and Hungarian chiefs of defence meet in Vienna

Text: HDF General Staff | Photo: Carina Karlovits/HBF | 11:03 September 25, 2023

Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of the HDF General Staff recently had discussions with his Austrian counterpart in Vienna in the framework of a two-day meeting. During the sessions, the two delegations discussed the current security situation of the region, as well as the development of bilateral relations, including the scope of potential cooperation in the training of armored forces.

At the closed-door talks with Austrian Chief of Defence General Rudolf Striedinger and the subsequent plenary session, the topics on the agenda included the current situation of the Russo-Ukrainian War and its military aspects, the security of Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as the possible handover-takeover of the COMEUFOR position in 2024.

General Böröndi said that the stability of the Western Balkans is a fundamental security interest of Hungary. Through their engagement in KFOR in Kosovo, the Hungarian Defence Forces have proven that the Hungarian troops are able to stand their ground, thanks to their dedication, preparedness, professional skills and equipment. The next major step may be the only joint operation conducted by the EU and NATO, Operation Althea in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which Hungary proposes to be commanded by a Hungarian general. Insofar as the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) in the European Union approves the proposal, the military operation will be placed under the command of a Hungarian general as of January 2024.

Besides, the two delegations also discussed the capability development plans of the Regional Special Operations Component Command (R-SOCC) that marks its fourth anniversary this year, among them the provision of Austrian staff officers in support of international-level professional tasks and further education.

At the end of their meeting, the two chiefs of defence also discussed the issues concerning the stability and balance of the Sahel, the existence of which are of critical importance to Hungary, since they substantially reduce the probability of further waves of migration toward Europe.