EU Professional Visit at the Unit of Modern Equipment

The visit to the unit became possible due to our EU presidency, which according to Colonel István Tóth, brigade commander, is a great possibility for the Hungarian armed forces to show the allied partners the clear results of the Zrínyi Defence and Military Development Program. The members of the delegation could not only learn about the organizational structure of the brigade but also about the operation of the simulation centre unique in the region and the new high-tech military equipment: the Gidran tactical vehicle, the Leopard 2A7HU and 2A4HU main battle tanks and the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer.

As Rear Admiral Alberto Rutteri underlined, the EU presidential visit makes it possible for member states to parade their capabilities and share how they would handle the most important issues affecting the EU. “The goal is really to strengthen the European Union’s defence;” this is what the current security environment requires. As the Russo-Ukrainian War also showed, fast decision-making is needed, for which forming a common position is indispensable, emphasized the president of the working group.

Hungary’s contribution to the European security architecture represents a high standard and is constantly developing, emphasized Colonel Franck Scher, President of the Collective Capability Objectives Working Group, focusing directly on capability development. He highlighted the significance of new, modern equipment. As he said, the visit was very useful and interesting as they could see clearly with what kind of capabilities and equipment the HDF will be able to contribute to the missions and exercises of the European Union in the future.