The Hungarian Defence Force buys two A319 aircraft

The Hungarian Defence Force acquired two A319 aircraft announced Minister of Defense István Simicskó on Wednesday at a press conference in Budapest.

Regarding the purchasing price of the two aircraft Simicskó remarked that the 8 and 9 year-old carriers cost less than half of the original price – new ones cost 70-80 million euros each.

Chief of staff Tibor Benkő noted that the purchasing price also includes the training of pilots and technical personnel, as well as the creation of the proper operating conditions at Kecskemét airbase.

Benkő said the airsplanes will function as multi-purpose carriers capable of transporting troops and their equipment for military missions around the world.

The two airplanes arrive in Hungary in the next few weeks and will be used the first time during troops rotation in Afghanistan in the spring said Simicskó.

The minister emphasized that the Hungarian Defense Force carries out military missions in 14 countries, so the transportation, evacuation of troops, and Hungarian citizens from crisis stricken areas will be ensured in the future.