Hungarian Combat Vehicle Fleet Becomes Complete

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky added that the Leopard 2 A7HU is among the most state-of-the-art combat vehicles in the world; the system is made complete by the Leguan bridge layers and the technical rescue equipment.

The minister underlined that the country’s economic performance made it possible in 2015 to conclude those agreements with the help of which the Hungarian Defence Forces’ tank capability can be rebuilt.

He added that Hungarian taxpayers can gladly and proudly see that, as a result of the past years’ work, there is a great financial strength, as well as knowledge, experience, planning and heart that are indispensable conditions of building up such a capability.

General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of the HDF Defence Staff, told us that with the procurement of the Leopards, the Hungarian Defence Forces advanced 40 years.

He said that combat vehicles in themselves are not enough to build capacities; therefore, the HDF also bought a world-class simulation system unique in Europe, which provides training for the operating personnel.

“Many buried the combat vehicle, saying it is useless. But the combat vehicle is still there on the battlefield; it remains a decisive piece of equipment. We certainly have to answer the challenge of drones, personnel must be prepared, and necessary defence equipment must be installed on the combat vehicles, but it will still dominate the battlefield”, declared the general.

Following the press release, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, General Dr. Gábor Böröndi and Brigadier General István Tóth, Commander, HDF 1st Armoured Brigade, presented appreciations. Ralf Ketzel, Managing Director of the KMW-NEXTER Defense Systems, was handed an appreciation, among others.