Renewing HDF Search and Rescue Capabilities

The minister recalled that the Hungarian Defence Forces have been responsible for search and rescue tasks in Hungary since 1976. The main goal has not changed since then: provide assistance to aircraft in distress, as well as to the passengers and crew.

He emphasized that for the Hungarian government, the security of the country and the citizens is the most important, therefore, the Hungarian Defence Forces are living their period of transformation and technological renewal. Thanks to the Armed Forced Development Program started years ago, the units of the HDF are enriched with state-of-the-art equipment. Modernizing the Air Force, including the increase of rotary-wing capabilities, has received special emphasis among the developments – he added. He recalled that besides the Airbus H145 aircraft, Airbus H225M medium-lift multi-purpose helicopters, which are suitable for both troop and cargo transport, are also being delivered.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky also said that this change of type increases the search and rescue capabilities of the HDF as helicopter pilots and the operators of the flight crew have to learn new skills to carry out rescue tasks efficiently using the newest technology.

(Press release by the Ministry of Defence)