Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky: strengthening defence capabilities is now a priority for all international alliances

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that there is a need for building an effective and integrable defence force. He pointed out that the Hungarian government had already started this process in 2017 within the framework of the armed forces reform, which was planned to be implemented over several years, and thus, thanks to the procurements and the development of defence industry, we can defend not only Hungary and the Hungarian people but also fulfil our international obligations at a high level.

The minister noted that the relations between Hungary and Israel work on the basis of historical lessons learned, and of our common values and interests. He went on saying that the two countries have long-standing, close and excellent relations in the field of defence as well. In the framework of the Hungarian armed forces development program, there are already some significant Israeli threads woven into the defence industrial sector, which has gained new momentum and is considered the latest cylinder in the engine of Hungarian economy: the year 2023 will see the beginning of delivery of the elements of a new radar system, into which Hungarian components will also be built, starting from 2025.

The events of the last few days also show that currently all international alliances consider the strengthening of defence capabilities a priority. The minister emphasized that the armed forces Hungary is developing are based on a 21st century technology, and that is why our country is looking for potential fields of cooperation with the Israeli defence industry of a high technological level. During their meeting, the ministers also discussed the Ukrainian War.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky stated that since the beginnings, the Hungarian government’s position has been that the only solution to the war and the ensuring European energy crisis is a ceasefire and the immediate start of peace talks. He added that Israel is helping Ukraine in many ways, but refuses to supply lethal weapons.

(Our photo shows President of Israel Isaac Herzog in the company of Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky at the presidential office in Jerusalem.)

(Press release by the Ministry of Defence)