Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said Hungary’s goal is to build a high-readiness, digitalised, nationally minded defense force with a high operational value.
Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky told parliament's defense and law enforcement committee at his annual hearing that the country’s military had already taken big steps towards achieving this goal.
He said the world had entered “an era of dangers”, and the coming period before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in late January would be “particularly dangerous”.
Concerning the war in Ukraine, the minister said only peace talks and a ceasefire could guarantee that “the situation doesn’t slip out of the hands of pro-war decision-makers”.
As regards the situation in Syria, Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky said it was “unacceptable” and “unfathomable amateurism” that “a part of the press and certain politicians wanted to gain a domestic political advantage out of a situation that is dangerous to us”.
Concerning Africa, the minister said Hungary was committed to addressing problems where they arise. The country therefore devotes special attention to the Sahel region and has provided complex aid that includes diplomacy, developments and support for the defense forces in Chad, he said. The minister added that preparations were complete, and Hungary’s mission could get under way once it is approved by Chad’s parliament.
As regards the Western Balkans, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said European Union membership would help ease tensions in the countries in the region, “but Ukraine is more of a priority for the EU in this regard”.
He said Hungary’s goal was to build a high-readiness, digitalised, nationally minded defense force with a high operational value, adding that the government had taken a number of measures in order to achieve this goal.
“Now is the time to be a soldier,” the minister said, noting pay rises in the military and that military personnel older than 55 have to be employed in public administration.
Hungary is constantly procuring new military equipment which is being entered into service, he noted.
As regards the recruitment campaign launched by the Hungarian Armed Forces in the summer, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said 3,500 young Hungarians have been recruited and their training is ongoing.
Hungarian forces are serving in observer, training and peacekeeping missions in eight countries on three continents, he said, adding that the country hit its target of 2 percent of GDP defense spending in 2023.