Following talks with Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz in Jerusalem, Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said recent events are proof that all international alliances must now focus on strengthening defense capabilities.
The minister said that an effective and systemic defense force must be developed. The Hungarian government launched its multi-year defense force development project in 2017, he noted. Thanks to acquisitions and defense industry developments, Hungary can fulfil its international obligations at a high level in addition to being able to protect the country and the Hungarian people, he added. Hungarian-Israeli relations work based on historical experiences, common values and interests, he said. The two countries have maintained “close and excellent relations” for a long time, including in defense, he added. Under the arrangements of the Hungarian armed forces development scheme, “considerable Israeli ties have been established” in the defense industry which has gained new impetus and is now considered “a new cylinder in the engine of the Hungarian economy”, he said. Parts of a new radar system are expected to arrive in 2023, and Hungarian-made components will be incorporated in 2025, he added.