Defense Minister:
Hungary started rebuilding its defense industry at the right time and with the right strategy. At the Hungarian Defense Industry Summit in the Bálna Event Center, Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky recalled that the world has been in imminent danger of war for two years.
More and more countries are increasing their defense spending; Hungary already achieved the 2% of GDP required by NATO last year. This is important because the defense industry can be a new driver of the economy if it reaches export markets.
Factories from nothing
In just a few years, modern arms factories were created practically from nothing. Lynx tanks are being built in Zalaegerszeg, small arms are being manufactured in Kiskunfélegyháza, parts for Airbus helicopters are being manufactured in Gyula, an ammunition factory is being built in Várpalota, the integration of the Gidrán combat vehicle is underway in Kaposvár, and the basic vehicle will soon be produced in Győr. The aim is to involve as many local companies as possible in the defense industry.
Preparation for conflict
The Hungarian Army (MH) must prepare for what its real task is: these are not peace support operations and not disaster management, but conflicts. Colonel General Gábor Böröndi, Chief of the General Staff, said this in Budapest on Saturday. There is war on our borders, the security of the Western Balkans is in question, further massive flows of migrants might reach Europe, military operations are taking place in the Gaza Strip, the whole world is in turmoil and upheaval. The need for trained, dedicated officers has never been greater.
The centenary celebration as part of the Ludovika Festival is the final and decisive ceremony for the officer candidates before they are ceremoniously inducted into the army on August 20th at Budapest’s Kossuth tér.
#engine #economy #Budapester #Zeitung
