The construction of another large barracks in Hungary is an important milestone

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that the Szolnok SOF barracks is being built from HUF 59bn domestic funding, and those present at the ceremony are eyewitnesses to the first phase of the construction. He added that instead of having been sent to anywhere else, “God forbid it is sent to other peoples’ war”, this HUF 59bn has remained in Hungary to build the strength of the Hungarian Defence Forces, and through it, that of Hungary.

On the one hand, Szolnok is a garrison town, on the other hand it is one of Hungary’s most important towns, and at once an important base for guaranteeing the security of Hungarian people – said the minister. He emphasized that the last four years have perhaps been the most spectacular period in the ongoing development program of the Hungarian armed forces.

“To us, the security of Hungarians is of paramount importance” – stated the minister, noting that they are doing all they can on the side of the military in the interest of that.

He recalled that no barracks have been constructed in Hungary since 1976, and before 2010, the Hungarian Defence Forces had drawn on the largely “squandered”, inoperative Soviet technology and equipment that was in bad condition. Today, the equipment pools of both the army and the air force have been completely renewed. Forgotten and entirely phased-out capabilities like the artillery have been rebuilt, the air force has been renewed and keeps developing in every sense, and the items of military equipment are being delivered continuously – said the minister.

He said that they have “taken a big step forward” in terms of both the professional and the contract personnel. The reserve component is making quite spectacular progress: the 8000th new reservist has just signed on since the launch of the recruitment campaign, and a large number of reservists have already undergone training” – he noted.

The times we live in demand us to face the reality of the danger of Hungary’s drifting into a war raging in our neighborhood, and we must do all we can to prevent it” – he said, adding that he trusts that it won’t be necessary to wage this war to an end, and he is certain that Hungary won’t be involved in it.

To achieve this, we need a “strong and brave government”, like the one presently holding office, which has demonstrated that it can always withstand any pressure that intends to steer us towards being involved in this war – he pointed out.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that the barracks is being built for an SOF command. The minister revealed that the SOF are a branch of the Hungarian Defence Forces that are ready to move at the shortest notice and the SOF personnel are perhaps the best-trained and specially equipped soldiers in many ways.

The barracks will house the Regional Special Operations Component Command (R-SOCC), which is a multinational SOF command connecting the Hungarian SOF with our allies, and thereby guarantees Hungary’s further security” – he said.

The minister of defence highlighted that further construction works will be started in Hungary, as the development of the armed forces will not stop. “To us, the security of Hungary is of paramount importance, since we have promised strength and are building strength”.

General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff said that the SOF base under construction in Szolnok is the most modern one in the region.

He added that the national armed forces being built in Hungary know and respect their centuries-long virtues such as courage, loyalty, self-sacrifice, and are also already equipped with all the technical and professional knowledge of modern warfare. This barracks is closely connected to the Regional Special Operations Component Command, a multinational initiative aimed at establishing a SOF headquarters with the participation of Hungary, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Austria. He said that Hungary has the lead nation role in this initiative. He emphasized that building independent, strong and modern Hungarian armed forces is the most important goal for the country.

He stated that new barrack complex will ensure the safe storage and maintenance of high-tech assets, drones, special communication and information systems (CIS), weapons and combat vehicles, as well as the highest-level information security (INFOSEC) regulations, the conditions for SOF training and the permanent and continuous stand-by.

He noted that the wreath signals the completion of the structure of the tallest building in the complex. “The bouquet on the roof conveys the message that the future is being built, the future of the Hungarian Defence Forces, our future”.

Attila Berkó, County Government Commissioner, Government Office of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County said that the project well exemplifies that if the government of Hungary promises something, it will make good on it. The danger of war is not a theoretical but a real security policy issue – he stated. He emphasized that in these times, responsible governance is the first task that needs to be done in the interest of guaranteeing the security of Hungarian people. He underscored that Hungary wants peace, but our country cannot be vulnerable.

The former barracks in Thököly Street was closed 20 years ago, and today one of the most modern military installations in Central Europe is being built on its site – he said. For Szolnok, this development means a step forward in terms of national security and economy.

The topping-out ceremony was attended, among others, by MoD Permanent State Secretary Árpád Vidoven; Member of Parliament for the Region Mária Kállai; Ferenc Szalay, Governmental Commissioner for the regional development coordination of free-time and open-air sports infrastructure development by the local government; and Gyula Gábor Fazekas, Chair of the General Assembly of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County.

The contractor of the development project is ZÁÉV Construction Co. Ltd.

Before the speeches, the participants saw a dynamic display. At the end of the event, the wreath with the bouquet got decorated with streamers and after being blessed, it was raised onto the top of the tower, the tallest building.