International Exercise Starts in Várpalota

Szöveg: Ministry of Defence | 2016. január 13. 9:00

Between 11 January and 21 February, Hungary is hosting a Dutch-led international exercise in the area of Várpalota. The Hungarian Defence Forces are actively participating in the preparations for the event and its conduct. The exercise provides Hungary with an opportunity to practice the set of tasks related to the Host Nation Support for NATO forces.

Exercise “Várpalota Challenge 2016" is meant to strengthen Dutch–Hungarian military-to-military relations in NATO.

In October 2006, Hungary took over the lead of a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) from the Netherlands in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan. The troops of the two nations have already been co-deployed in several NATO- and EU-led operations, including missions in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Somalia. Furthermore, the Netherlands is one of the 12 SAC member nations that formed the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW), a Pápa-based multinational unit operating C-17 cargo aircraft.

There is an increase in military movement and presence in the exercise area. On 11 January, military vehicles redeployed to the training area on the Hegyeshalom–Veszprém route, whilst on 14 January they are going to do so on the Hegyeshalom–Pápa route. The Hungarian Defence Forces ask all drivers for patience.

The Dutch troops are staying in Hungary in return for payment.