Hungary’s government drafting new security, military strategy

Budapest, September 22 (MTI) – Consultations have begun on drafting a new national security and military strategy to respond to new security challenges, the defence minister told a parliamentary committee on Thursday.

The security situation has significantly changed in Europe over the past year as a result of the migrant crisis as well as the heightened threat of terrorism and cyberattacks, István Simicskó said in the defence and law enforcement committee.

The strategy drafted jointly by the defence, interior and foreign ministries will go before the relevant parliamentary committee for an opinion, he said.

Hungarian troops have duly fulfilled their duties inside the country and abroad amidst a changing security environment, contributing to efforts aimed at tackling mass migration by serving along Hungary’s border and in humanitarian and military missions in crisis zones abroad, Simicskó told the body.

International missions with Hungarian participation include Afghanistan, Iraq and the western Balkans, he noted.

He also noted closer and more effective military cooperation among the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) in efforts to tackle mass migration and the increased threat of terrorism.

Simicskó mentioned a 2016-2026 military procurement programme that includes replacing outdated hardware such as An-26 cargo planes. The army also plans to purchase new or upgraded helicopters as well as upgrading armored vehicles and tanks. The related budget will rise on an annual basis, he added.