The Hungarian Defence Forces Have Undergone Significant Renewal over the Past Decade

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said at the Hungarian Defence Forces Baltic Air Defence Readiness Subunit Block 69 reception ceremony that air policing is one of the most complex areas of modern warfare, which is especially true at a time when war is raging in Eastern Europe, and security risks are constantly increasing.

He pointed out that the Russo-Ukrainian War taking place in the neighbourhood has clearly shown how fragile security is and how quickly what we have long taken for granted can become uncertain. “Europe’s security situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years”, the minister emphasized, adding that “Europe is preparing for war.”

“We are witnessing a determined, ruthless, cold-blooded and cruel process aimed at preparing for a war”, he declared.

In his opinion, security is not a capability but a task that requires constant presence, preparedness and responsibility. That is why military operations that directly serve to maintain peace and stability are of particular importance, he pointed out. As he said, the Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission is precisely such a task.

According to Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, a subunit of the Hungarian Air Force has not only been on service for the past four months, but has also taken responsibility for the security of Hungary and its allies.

Between 1 August and 1 December, the personnel of the HDF Baltic Air Defence Readiness Subunit Block 69 provided air policing for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with four Gripen fighter jets, providing all the technical support necessary to carry out the task, as well as a staff of 80 personnel, he explained.

The minister said that Hungary is a reliable NATO ally and that this commitment is measured not primarily in statements but in deeds: when the security of the alliance requires it, Hungary is there, undertakes the task, and carries it out. This has been the fourth time that Hungary participated in the BAP mission, he added.

He said that this year’s mission included 22 live alerts, 87 training alerts and more than 400 flight hours, all of which prove that the servicemembers of the HDF are not only technically, but also organizationally and mentally prepared for such tasks.

The servicemembers understand and apply the tools of modern warfare, are able to cooperate with allies and perform their duties in a disciplined and reliable manner, as demonstrated by the Baltic mission, the minister emphasized, then thanked all the servicemembers for their service over the past four months.

General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff, said that the preparedness, discipline and professional knowledge of the Hungarian servicemembers participating in the mission elevate Hungary to a worthy position within the community of allied nations.

He pointed out that for the Baltic countries, air policing is not only a task but also a guarantee of security in everyday life. Since Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania do not have fighter jets, the rotational offer of NATO member states is not only a military commitment but also a tangible manifestation of collective defence, he added.

The general emphasized that the Hungarian Defence Forces are capable of playing an international role that will increase Hungary’s security, credibility and weight in the alliance system in the long term. Returning from the mission sends the message that “Hungarian servicemembers have once again proven themselves that they can be counted on”, he underlined.