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More than steel and concrete

Text: Levente Petróczy | Photo: Franciska Veres |  15:12 January 27, 2025

“The Hungarian Defence Forces are an important and reliable NATO ally. We and the Italian armed forces consider each other as friends. We serve together in the Alliance and the European Union, and our troops often develop their capabilities together” – said General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff at the inauguration of a new building of the NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group (FLF BG) in Újmajor, Hungary on 26 January.

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General Böröndi said that the FLF BG is dedicated to defending the areas and citizens of NATO countries against all those forces that disrespect democracy, the rule of law and freedom. “NATO offers excellent opportunities for our nations. We can standardize our tactical procedures, use a common language and enhance cooperation between our armed forces” – he said.

The Chief of Defence pointed out that the new residential building with 5,000 m2 of useful floor area can accommodate more than 500 soldiers, thus it significantly increases the capabilities of the NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group, and further strengthens the Hungarian–Italian military alliance. According to General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Defence Staff, Italian Armed Forces, the multinational battle group is important because it forms the backbone of NATO.

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“In the midst of international conflicts, we can now demonstrate the power of organization, capabilities and cooperation. Our objective is to defend our countries and guarantee their stability and prosperity. Many thanks for the everyday efforts of the battle group!” – said General Portolano. According to General Guglielmo Miglietta, Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (NATO JFCBS), thanks to the experts of the Hungarian Defence Forces, an adequate service environment has been created for the multinational forces. “This building is more than bricks; it’s a symbol of NATO’s commitment to readiness and unity. It also symbolizes that if needed, we are ready to defend every inch of Alliance territory” – the general said in praise of the significance of the building.