Results of the Armed Forces Development Were Visible in 2025
Text: Ministry of Defence | Photo: Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky’s Facebook page | 10:16 January 8, 2026The goal of the Hungarian Defence Forces’ modernisation, which has been in progress for years, is still clear: to build armed forces decisive in Central Europe and develop the modern, NATO-compatible and high-tech armed forces, declared Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky on 29 December.
He said that modernising the HDF’s equipment, renewing soldiers’ equipment and further developing capabilities were ensured in the budget of 2025. The Hungarian Defence Forces are gradually entering modern Leopard 2A7HU main battle tanks into service, out of which the Tata-based armoured brigade took over the last vehicles in early December.
As for the land forces, Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles meant a great step forward. A considerable part of the order of more than 200 vehicles is being manufactured in Zalaegerszeg; therefore, the program is important from both industrial and technological aspects.
The Hungarian Defence Forces took over further Lynx vehicles in 2025, and training has been expanded with modern simulators that help the preparation of drivers and operating personnel, said the defence minister.
The air force also went through serious developments: H225M multipurpose helicopters arrived in 2025, which the HDF uses for transport, troop movements, reconnaissance and special operations purposes. This significantly increased reaction capacities.
Procurements altogether contribute to the Hungarian Defence Forces’ operation as well-equipped, flexibly deployable and modern armed forces, which can perform to a high standard not only in Hungary’s defence but also in allied commitments.
