Hungarian–Austrian cooperation in focus
Text: HDF DF Strategic Communication Directorate | Photo: Carina Karlovits/HBF | 10:27 May 12, 2025“On the geopolitical level, Austria’s position is complex as it is an EU member state, but is not part of NATO, our defence alliance. However, our Western neighbor takes security challenges seriously” – that’s why General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff held discussions with his Austrian counterpart, General Rudolf Striedinger in Salzburg.
The discussions focused on the new challenges of European security as well as the strengthening of bilateral military cooperation. Currently, the Austrian military is undergoing a serious change of approach, because it is focused on territorial defence capabilities again. The country is going to increase its defence budget up to the 2% of GDP until 2032, while modernizing its air defence systems, stocking up its ammunition depots and developing its defence industry.
During the discussions, General Böröndi invited Austrian observers to visit Exercise Breakthrough scheduled for November 2025; moreover, the two sides agreed to co-organize a joint armor exercise as well.
The Austrian partner offered that it would open up the opportunity of mountain infantryman training for Hungarian soldiers again, which not only helps the exchange of professional experiences but also strengthens cooperation between the Special Operations Forces of the two countries. During the discussions, special emphasis was also placed on the joint participation in innovations within the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation, which enhance the EU’s defence capabilities, and it was also announced that Austrian experts would see the Hungarian Lynx battalion and the KC-390 transport aircraft in the future.
Following the dicussions, the two chiefs of defence participated in a festival of military bands marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Bundesheer, where, among others, the Central Band of the Hungarian Defence Forces was also present.
