Lithuanian military recognition to Hungarian Air Force representatives
Text: HDF 101st Aviation Wing | Photo: Lithuanian Air Force Air Defence Battalion | 12:50 October 22, 2025This year, the single ground-based air defence (GBAD) organization of the Lithuanian Air Force celebrates two milestones of its existence: the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Air Defence Battalion and the 90th anniversary of the creation of the air defence artillery (Aircraft Defence Detachment) branch in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The Hungarian invitees of the ceremony were Brigadier General Ferenc Könczöl, Commander, HDF 101st Aviation Wing, Colonel Tibor Matyi, Commander, HDF 205th Air Defence Regiment (Győr) and Lieutenant Colonel Sándor Nagy, Commander, 1st NASAMS Battalion of the Győr-based regiment.
The participants of the ceremonial event were introduced to the past, present and future of Lithuanian Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD), forums and panel discussions were held about current air defence topics and challenges to the air defence branch. The event culminated in the presentation of awards to those who have significantly contributed to the development and Alliance integration of the Lithuanian Aircraft Defence Detachment in recent years. In this framework, three Hungarian military representatives were recognized: Brigadier General Könczöl and Lieutenant Colonel Nagy received the Medal of Distinction, a cross of merit and excellence founded by the commander of the Lithuanian Air Force. Colonel Matyi was awarded the recognition of the military organization for his professional activity in the interest of capability development in the Lithuanian Air Force Air Defence Battalion.
Lithuanian Air Force Commander Colonel Antatas Matutis said that the awardees have proven their role in the field of air and missile defence in an outstanding way, demonstrated their outstanding competence and made commendable efforts and sacrifices to show their commitment to NATO and within it, the Lithuanian Air Force.
Over the years, the two countries have built a strong partnership. Thanks to the active role, guidance and participation of Hungarian air defence experts, the Lithuanian personnel gained valuable knowledge and lessons learned in practice. Joint exercises like the tactical Surface-to-Air (SAM) missile exercise series Tobruq Legacy, which was founded by the Hungarian Defence Forces, have not only strengthened cohesion among the units but also created a solid basis for continuous cooperation in the future.
The Hungarian Defence Forces are present in the Baltics. Within the framework of the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission, Hungarian Gripen fighter jets safeguard the airspace of the northern countries, complemented with the aircraft of the Italian and the Spanish air forces.
The ceremony closed with a gala dinner and the presentation of the “Missile Defender of the Year” awards, an event of the American Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), where the organization presents awards to air defence artillerymen in recognition of their merits in strengthening air defence.
Congratulations on the honorable international recognition, Hungary can rightly be proud of the recipients!
