Good Opportunities and Great Challenges Ahead of the Hungarian Defence Forces
Szöveg: Szabolcs Nyulas | 2018. augusztus 25. 13:34The Hungarian Defence Forces embarked on the road to progress, which means good opportunities, but also a great challenge – Major General Zoltán Mihócza Acting Commander of the HDF Joint Force Command said in his lecture at the national meeting of the Defence Forces and Society Friendly Circles (HTBK) on Saturday, 25th August in Táborfalva.
The Zrínyi 2026 National Defence and Armed Forces Development Program provides an opportunity for the development of the national forces, which means that the focus is not only on the military capabilities fitting into the system of alliance, but on the protection of the country, and all whatever is required for this. Accordingly, the objective of the program is ambitious: the Hungarian Defence Forces must become the strongest army of the region. Some of the concrete improvements have already started, certain military equipment have been acquired. Among these Major General mentioned the new Airbus A319 transport aircraft, the refurbished transport and combat helicopters, the new military clothing, and the arms of the soldiers. At the purchase of handguns, it was also an important aspect that their manufacture takes place in Hungary, therefore the HDF bought the manufacturing right of the weapons of a Czech firm. The symbol of the Hungarian defence industry’s revival could be the weapons factory in Kiskunfélegyháza: the plant is ready by now, it is about to start production soon.
The other vital area of development is the setting up and manning of the military reserve force system: at present the country has 7600 reservists organised along the territorial defence principle. The existence of the reserve system is crucial from the aspect of home defence, and it is grounds for great joy, that it is getting more and more popular in the society. This is also shown by the fact that a growing number of young people apply for the reserve duty.
To our question Mrs. István Jánosné Bernát, the Chairwoman of the Táborfalva Organisation of the Defence Forces and Society Friendly Circles (HTBK) said that the national meeting is staged in different settlements each year. As the Táborfalva based organisation celebrates the 15th anniversary of its establishment this year, the event was hosted there. During the multi-day program, the members attended lectures, participated in technical displays, and also visited the neighbouring settlements.
Photos by László Tóth
