During a visit to German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall’s plant in Unterlüß on Wednesday, Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky noted the “exceptional importance” of building “a strong, independent defense industry” in Europe.
Noting that ammunition production “is now an issue and problem that affects the whole of Europe”, Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the ammunition factory Rheinmetall is building in Várpalota, in western Hungary, was invested with added significance. The defense minister met Rheinmetall senior officials, and they discussed the status of cooperation regarding further development of the Hungarian armed forces. At the meeting, the purchase of military equipment and the possibility of additional manufacturing in Hungary was also discussed. “It is exceptionally important to build an independent, strong defense industry while strengthening [Hungary’s] armed forces which, in addition to ensuring its supply chain, can also strengthen the Hungarian economy,” the ministry said in a statement.