Cutting-edge technology in the air

H225M User Group holds conference in Balatonakarattya

Text: Mihály Réti | Photo: Tamás Kovács | 12:08 June 4, 2026

“It can be armed, used for the tasks of special operations, in support the land forces, for air assault and close air support, and for the execution of any logistic transport task” – this was how Colonel Krisztián Kovács, Commander, HDF 86th Helicopter Wing praised the versatility of the H225M helicopters at the 5th conference of the H225M User Group on June 2.

The main goals of three-day international conference are the exchange of experiences, and, based on this, joint professional development and procedural improvement. The event is being attended by military and industry experts of ten countries – France, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, Brazil, Morocco, Thailand, Indonesia and the host country, Hungary, as well as the representatives of Airbus Helicopters and Brigadier General Tamás Bali PhD, Deputy Commander and Air Chief of the HDF Joint Operations Command.

Speaking about the Hungarian aspects, Colonel Krisztián Kovács pointed out that the air force had undergone a generational shift on a historic scale. He said that the Hungarian Defence Forces had been using 50-60-year-old aircraft for a long time; however, the arrival of 16 modern H225M helicopters procured within the framework of the National Defence and Military Development Program is a major capability boost to the Hungarian Defence Forces.

He added that the systems of these 21st-century, cutting-edge helicopters are highly automated. This modernization makes the pilots’ and the aircrews’ job a lot easier, as it enables them to focus more on tactical tasks instead of flying the aircraft.