Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has discussed with the head of German defense giant Rheinmetall the Hungarian production of Lynx armored infantry fighting vehicles, arms industry research and development, and ways to boost Hungary’s defense and economy.
According to Bertalan Havasi, the prime minister's press chief, PM Orbán met Armin Papperger in his office on Tuesday and discussed ways to strengthen Hungary’s strategic partnership with the Düsseldorf-based company. The sides signed a cooperation agreement on the joint development and manufacture of short-range air defense missile systems, turret guns and special medium-calibre grenades.
László Palkovics, Minister of Innovation and Technology, and government commissioner Gáspár Maróth also attended the meeting. Rheinmetall Hungary’s regional strategy was on the agenda, and the officials were in agreement that joint investments already under way, including a Lynx plant in Zalaegerszeg, had greatly contributed to Hungary’s economic development and job creation.
The press chief concluded that these projects not only boost Hungary’s sovereignty but also enhance European defense capabilities and its strategic autonomy.