The Hungarian Special Force – VIDEO

The Hungarian Special Force (officially MH 34. Bercsényi László Különleges Műveleti Zászlóalj/ HDF 34th ’László Bercsényi’ Special Operations Battalion) serves as Hungary’s special unit.  

Originally, it was formed on 1 October 1939 under the name of Hungarian Defence Parachute Battalion (Honvéd Ejtőernyős Zászlóalj), but the operation was suspended in 1954. After several reorganizations the military organization was dislocated to Szolnok in 1963. The force assumed Count László Bercsényi’s name in 1990.

The 1st reconnaissance troop assisted NATO after Hungary joined the organization, and was a member of the AMF(L) (Allied Mobile Forces-Land) between 1999 and 2003. Later, AMF(L) was replaced by the NRF (NATO Response Force) and the reconnaissance troop became a member on 16 January 2004. The unit was reorganized as a special force on 1 September 2005.

The special force’s main tasks among others are: carrying out special operation tasks under national or NATO command, special reconnaissance (SR), direct action (DA), military assistance (MA), and peacekeeping operations.

The HSF has taken part in several inland and national operations as well. They secured the Slavic areas during the Yugoslav wars, carried out peacekeeping operations in the area during floods, and as a member of the NRF, they regularly carry out operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.