Meeting of Hungarian and Slovenian Chiefs of Defence Continues in Ljubljana

The Hungarian Defence Forces have been maintaining traditionally good relations with the Slovenian armed forces and give priority to continuing already existing meaningful cooperation with countries situated in the neighboring region. Hungary is cooperating with Slovenia, its south-western neighbor in several fields which include pre-deployment training of the Air Mentor Team operating in Afghanistan, trade training of personnel coordinating close air support (CAS) missions, and the conduct of joint training and exercises.

The agreement on the Hungarian Gripens’ air policing mission in Slovenia – which has recently been ratified by the Slovenian Parliament – was preceded by extensive preparations. The main topic of discussion was the details of establishing a multinational JTAC school for the training of joint terminal attack controllers – personnel specialized in coordinating and conducting close air support (CAS) missions. Keeping cost-effectiveness in view, this educational institution would be set up in US–Czech–Slovenian–Hungarian cooperation, on multiple locations in a modular system, using different capabilities of the nations.

The Hungarian Defence Forces are planning to involve the Pápa Air Base, the central military training area at Várpalota, the Gripen fighters and the Szolnok Air Base in the project. Last but not least, the new helicopter fleet to be procured will also have an important role.

The participants of the meeting also discussed the possibility of Hungary’s joining the NATO Mountain Warfare Center of Excellence, which is to be established by the Slovenian armed forces in 2016, and joint participation in the annual “Lord Mountain" helicopter training and in other exercises to be held in 2015.

The Hungarian partner raised the need for cooperation concerning the search and rescue (SAR) service, which is important to both countries during location and crash site management in case of potential air accidents occurring along the border.

During the discussions between Gen. Tibor Benkő and Borut Pahor, the Slovenian President expressed high satisfaction with the excellent cooperation between Hungary and Slovenia. Referring to the proposal made by the Hungarian Chief of Defence, he agreed that there is still work to do with regard to cross-border tasks, and that the work that has been started should continue, which is in the interest of both nations. While talking with his discussion partner, the President expressed concern about the situation in Ukraine and showed intense interest in Hungary’s stance on the current situation.

There will be a sequel to the meeting at chiefs of defence level, as the representatives of special fields will meet in the near future to further discuss the proposed cooperation at expert level and to work out the related details.

Photo: Defence Staff