Hungary Hosts the Large-scale International Exercise Saber Guardian 2025
American, Spanish and Hungarian soldiers prepare together for defence
Text: Ministry of Defence | 14:11 June 10, 2025The Hungarian Defence Forces will participate in the large-scale international Exercise Saber Guardian 2025, a main venue of which is Hungary, with 800 soldiers, between 6 and 24 June. The exercise is part of the series of exercises DEFENDER25, organised by the United States Army Europe and Africa Command (USAREUR-AF).
American-Hungarian military cooperation is a key element of the exercise: the HDF soldiers work in close cooperation with the 1400 soldiers of the United States, carrying out joint training tasks. Besides this, the Spanish Armed Forces also participate in the exercise with nearly 450 soldiers, strengthening the unity and operational harmony of the NATO allies.
On the HDF’s part, the operations are led by the HDF Joint Operations Command, which serves as a division centre during the exercise. The Hungarian contingent is participating with modern capabilities: the personnel is made up of self-propelled artillery, chemical defence, mechanised infantry, anti-armour units, surface-to-air missiles, helicopters and reconnaissance sub-units.
The American and Hungarian soldiers carry out complex operational exercises together, including night and morning live firings. These might cause increased sound effects, so the Hungarian Defence Forces kindly ask for the patience and understanding of the population.
During the exercise, enhanced military vehicle movement can be expected on the roads, especially in the region of Pápa and in the Bakony, where helicopter operations will also take place. The HDF constantly informs the population about the current events.
The exercise aims at NATO allies – especially the Hungarian and American armed forces – reacting even more effectively to security challenges. The strengthening of the American-Hungarian military cooperation serves not only Hungary’s but also the whole Alliance’s defence.
The Hungarian Defence Forces thank the population for the support and underline that preparedness, international cooperation and Alliance unity are more important now than ever.
Press release by the Ministry of Defence
