Hungary set to purchase HIMARS rocket systems from the United States, says Defence Minister
Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky has confirmed that Hungary is in talks with the United States about purchasing HIMARS rocket artillery systems and missiles, signalling a major step in the country’s long-term military modernisation plans.
Speaking to Hungarian public media following his meetings at the Pentagon, the minister said the procurement process could take between three and five years, depending on U.S. congressional approval. He added that the discussions mark the end of political obstacles that previously hindered Hungary’s defence acquisitions under the Biden administration.
“The previous Democratic administration blocked several of our planned defence purchases for political reasons, even in cases where payments had already been made,” Szalay-Bobrovniczky said, noting that these restrictions have now been lifted.
According to the minister, the Trump administration made it clear that Hungary will now be able to proceed with technology and defence procurements where necessary. He added that the country has drawn up a ten-year force development plan outlining a range of acquisitions across different military sectors.
“Among these, there are areas where American solutions are the best and most reliable — rocket artillery being one of them,” he said.
When asked whether the highly sought-after HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) was on the list, Szalay-Bobrovniczky confirmed that it is.
“The HIMARS rocket artillery system is a capability that would extend Hungary’s strategic defensive deterrence network much further than at present. It would be a significant asset for our defence forces,” he explained.
Although the exact details of the potential deal remain undisclosed, earlier reports suggested that Hungary could acquire between 20 and 24 rocket launchers and around 100 missiles. The minister did not confirm these figures but said the estimate was “roughly correct in scale.”
Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasised that the procurement of such advanced weaponry is a lengthy and complex process, even after U.S. congressional authorisation.
“There is currently a queue for HIMARS systems due to high international demand,” he said. “We are looking at a realistic timeframe of three to five years.”
As for costs, the minister declined to provide an exact figure but noted that the total could be substantial once factors such as infrastructure, training, recruitment, and logistics are included.
“This is a complex system and a complex acquisition — its final price will depend on multiple variables including the exchange rate, delivery schedule, and timeframe,” he noted.
The HIMARS, produced by U.S. defence contractor Lockheed Martin, has become one of the most sought-after artillery systems worldwide due to its precision, mobility, and battlefield effectiveness. If approved, the deal would mark one of Hungary’s most significant defence procurements in recent years, further deepening military cooperation between Budapest and Washington.
Waste of money. Russians destroyed all of the ones Ukraine had easily. Here is a novel idea, Try to get along with your neighbours and keep the money you are wasting enriching the Americans. Hungary does not need HIMARS.
Who told you Hungary is arming itself against Russia?
Hungary started it’s rearmament program in 2016, right after Hungary stopped the migrant flows, and the Western threats for regime change started coming in.