Hungary is looking to recruit a volunteer force of 20,000 to complete its military, István Simicskó, minister of Defense, has said.
During an interview with Figyelő, Simicskó said that the military currently has some 30,000 soldiers and 5,500 voluntary reserve officers. He insisted that the volunteer force, with “actual capabilities” and the military together should make “a deterrent, combat-ready army”.
Reviving the Hungarian defense industry is a high priority for the government, Simicskó said. He added that preparations are under way to start production of infantry weapons such as guns and rifles as early as next year.
Simicskó said that the government was gradually increasing Hungary’s defense spending, and added that the NATO target of 2 percent of GDP could be reached in 10 years.