Start of the Show

“The members of the Hungarian Air Force have always performed their duties in the defence of the nation", Csaba Hende said at the opening ceremony.

Swedish Defence Minister Karin Enström pointed out that the program of the day at Kecskemét was more than an air show, as it was at once a good opportunity to bring together the civilian fans of military capabilities and the experts. The Hungarian Air Force makes excellent use of the Swedish-made Gripen fighters, which the visitors to the Kecskemét Air Show had opportunity to see during the two-day event, she added.

Lt.-Col. János Szentiványi and 1st Lt. Endre Frankó, two one-time pilots of the legendary “Puma" Squadron were also present at the opening of the event.

The visitors were certainly not bored during the flying displays, which were running in sequence until 7:00 p.m. on both days. Besides the programs in the air, a lot of spectacles were offered to the interested ones on the ground too, where they were introduced to the life of the Hungarian Defence Forces and the 75-year history of the Hungarian Air Force.

Unlike other international air shows, the Kecskemét one was not only an air show but also a military display, where visitors were introduced to the weapons and technical equipment of the land force units of the Hungarian Defence Forces. They had opportunity to watch a clos quarters combat (CQC) demonstration held by the soldiers of the HDF 25/88 Airmobile Battalion of Szolnok and a spectacular rifle exhibition drill display performed by the special ceremonial group of the HDF vitéz Szurmay Sándor Budapest Garrison Brigade.

The most spectacular air show of all times took place on August 3 and 4 at the HDF 59th Szentgyörgyi Dezső Air Base, Kecskemét, with the participation of 142 aircraft from 22 countries. On the first day of the event, around 60,000 visitors enjoyed the programs of the International Air Show and Military Display.

Photo: Veronika Dévényi