Modern Air Defence Missiles for the Hungarian Defence Forces

David Cornstein stated that in his opinion, all governments have the primary responsibility of providing security for the citizens of their countries. The ambassador noted that presently we are combating the coronavirus disease pandemic, but we also have to respond to security threats such as the Crimean crisis in Ukraine, one of Hungary’s neighbors. In his speech, he commended Defence Minister Tibor Benkő, General Ferenc Korom and the members of the government of Hungary for making a considered decision and also for recognizing how important it is that a country’s air defence system meets the requirements of the age.

Defence Minister Tibor Benkő pointed out that “we see that the peace we live in is a very fragile condition and situation”, and accordingly, Hungary needs well-trained and well-equipped armed forces. The government is implementing this goal in the framework of the National Defence and Armed Forces Development Program, whose key element is the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) system. The minister emphasized that after examining and evaluating all available systems and manufacturers during a long preparatory phase, the Hungarian side chose to accept the American offer. The Hungarian experts thoroughly investigated all opportunities before the decision was made.

After the speeches, Hungarian Minister of Defence Tibor Benkő and U.S. ambassador to Hungary David Cornstein signed a declaration of intent, and then personally thanked for the work of the experts attending the ceremony – among them Gen. Ferenc Korom, the Commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces – who had played an important role in the preparation and selection process.