Ambassador Inspects British C–17 on Training in Pápa

Speaking about the training, Flt. Lt. Ben Mountfield (RAF) told us that the retention of flying skills with the use of night vision goggles (NVG) and the practice of tactical landing are very important, and, being an unknown environment for the British pilots, the HDF Pápa Air Base is an excellent venue for this kind of exercising. He went on emphasizing the positive reception of the aircrews and the Hungarians’ helpful attitude.

Base Commander Col. László Gangler also underlined that this training provides the Hungarian and British airmen with plenty of opportunities to cooperate, adding that he hopes that the current collaboration is “the beginning of a lasting friendship".

Ian Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Budapest also joined the RAF personnel under training for a short while in the company of Péter Siklósi, Deputy State Secretary for Defence Policy and Planning of the Ministry of Defence and Col. László Gangler.

After the display flight that included the practice intercept of a Gripen fighter and tactical landing, he told us that it was great to see the RAF aircraft and its crew in Hungary, and said „we hope that we’ll see the Royal Air Force’s C-17s back here in Hungary". He added that there is good defence cooperation between the two nations, and that his goal as an ambassador is to encourage more defence cooperation between the UK and Hungary.