Hungary could complete negotiations for purchasing a medium-range missile defense system within the next two years, Defence Minister Tibor Benkő said in a radio interview over the weekend.
Minister Benkő said Hungary is currently preparing a tender for the purchase of a missile system and the ministry is in talks with not only the United States, but with all countries who could fulfil the criteria of the tender.
According to Rmx.news, besides the United States, potential contractors include Italy and France with the jointly developed Aster missiles, Israel with its Hetz (Arrow) anti-missile system, the German-Italian-American MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defence System) and the Norwegian NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System), jointly developed with U.S. defense contractor Raytheon.
Two other regional NATO members, Poland and Romania also have such missile defense systems, operated by the United States. According to Benkő, however, Hungary plans to operate whatever system it will end up purchasing by itself.