Forward Defence – Ambassadors of Peace

Major General Králik, the commander of Headquarters Multinational Division Centre (HQ MND-C) pointed out that in a world where challenges are felt globally, strength lies in unity.

The general addressed the personnel of the multinational NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group Hungary (NATO FLF BG HUN) as their incoming superior for the first time, expressing his appreciation for the activity of the FLF BG so far. The FLF BG is soon to be reassigned to the Székesfehérvár-based HQ MND-C, as a result of the latter having achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) in February this year.

Already a couple of years before the setting up of the battle group in Újmajor, Hungary, Croatia and Slovakia had decided to establish Headquarters Multinational Division Centre (HQ MND-C). Speaking about HQ MND-C achieving FOC, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky recently said that the headquarters is ready and able to participate in leading and directing regional NATO operations; in the case of threats, this increases the deterrence and rapid response capability of the Alliance, ensuring immediate and coordinated reaction.

Following Russia’s invasion against Ukraine, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization doubled the number of battle groups deployed on the eastern flank of its European member countries. In addition to the four multinational battle groups established in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland starting from 2017, it set up another four in Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. Thus, NATO has extended its forward defence from the Baltic Sea right down to the Black Sea. The personnel of the multinational NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group Hungary are made up of Croatian, Turkish, Italian and Hungarian soldiers, whereas American soldiers also participate in the training of the battle group.

With Hungary as the lead nation of the battle group deployed on its territory, the Hungarian Defence Forces have the primary responsibilities for supporting the HQ MND-C and conducting training programs.

“Most of the Hungarian combat support subunits are represented here by modular elements. The backbone of the contingent is drawn from the 39th battalion of the 11th brigade, in particular its infantry and staff support capabilities” – stated Lieutenant Colonel Botond Hetényi, Commander, NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group Hungary, who is at once the commander of the 39th Motorized Battalion of the HDF 11th Motorized Infantry Brigade.

During the handover-takeover ceremony, Colonel István Nyitrai, Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), HDF Joint Operations Command and Lieutenant Colonel Botond Hetényi, battle group commander presented the soldiers with recognitions for their service.