Five-party meeting on the construction of the 3D radar

MoD Parliamentary State Secretary István Simicskó said at the press conference following the meeting that all five parties had sent their representatives, who had not raised any objection to the proposal of the MoD, so an agreement in principle had been reached. The MoD is ready to answer any questions, and they believe further discussions should be held on the subject. In line with this, on March 10 the Defence and Law Enforcement Committee of the National Assembly will be informed about the MoD’s plans, and the Ministry wishes to hold further meetings in the spirit of completing the project, and to influence Hungary’s reputation in NATO in a positive way.

The State Secretary emphasized that, as the MoD considers security of the country top priority, they would like to finish construction of the radar station as soon as possible; this issue had been the subject of debates for more than a decade. They want to implement the investment project in a way that is reassuring for everyone  the radar station would be built neither in a nature conservation area nor in any settlement, as they have drawn the attention of the parties to a site where there is already an operating radar station. Funded by NATO, the investment project would be carried out within its modernization.

The State Secretary told the press that in the recent period they had taken many steps to inform the residents of Medina and the nearby towns and villages about their plans. First they had contacted the MPs of the region and introduced them to the 3D radar station operating near Békéscsaba. They sensed willingness on their part, but more local forums should be organized to win the support of the wider public.

The country will benefit from the investment, which does not incur extra costs, meets the requirements of the military profession, is accepted by NATO, and may be completed by the end of 2013 (including procedures to obtain the relevant permits). For our own security, the project should be implemented in the fastest and most efficient way, with the best possible construction. Considering the complaints of citizens and environmental issues raised in the case of the Zengő and the Tubes Hills, the MoD can compensate for the blocking effect of the Mecsek Hill by operating two gap-filling radar companies. Although this solution means extra costs, it may also save jobs. At the moment the two gap-filling radar companies operate in the regions of Juta and Kup.

István Simicskó went on to underline that the 3D radar can be used in both military and civil air traffic control, but Hungary needs it for military purposes in the first place  this is one of the reasons why the investment is funded by NATO. The Italian-made radar station is used widely and its radiation level is only a thousandth of that of a mobile phone. The regular medical screening of the troops serving with the radar companies has not revealed any damages, so there is no problem with the soldiers’ health.

 

Photo: Gábor Galovtsik