The Hungarian Military Force Development Program is increasingly acknowledged by allies. NATO member states admit that our country is no longer just a „security free rider” onboard the North Atlantic Alliance, but rather a reliable member that fulfills its commitments.
Since Hungary’s accession to NATO in 1999, our current reputation in the alliance has reached an unprecedented turning-point-- informed a military-political source. Hungary is refuting its former standing of being a „security free rider”, as often ridiculed by Western powers; the results of the Defence and Military Forces Development Programs are evident. For the first time, Hungary has been able to fulfill commitments to NATO thanks to these programs.
It’s an enormous contrast to the commencement of our membership and the many unfulfilled pledges; due to the previous socialist-liberal government’s numerous cutbacks disguised as „reforms”, our international allies have been skeptical of our current efforts. Certain representatives from ally countries considered our recent development programs a mere „bluff” –that is, until in 2018, Hungary signed significant procurement contracts demonstrating the sincerity of our mission. Now though, any remaining doubts can be dispelled of the Hungarian government’s determination as new helicopters, tanks, and self-propelled guns arrive to the country, as soldiers are trained to use them, and as the necessary infrastructure is built.
The development of the brigade at Tata is quite significant – especially given the positive feedback. The unit received its first 4 Leopard 2 tanks for training its tank battalion in July; a total of 12 refurbished KMW Leopard 2A4HU tanks will arrive to Tata by the end of the year. From 2023, 44 brand new Leopard 2A7HU tanks will be added to the division. The tanks will be supplemented with state-of-the-art Wisent military artillery tractors and Leguan armored bridge layers. The artillery unit of the brigade will consist of 24 KMW Pzh 2000 self-propelled guns which will reach Hungary from 2022 and on. In short, all military equipment for the brigade will soon be procured to fulfill our NATO pledges.