Defence minister: Army development must continue to guarantee security

Photo: MTI/Krizsán Csaba

Hungary’s army development programme must continue despite the epidemic situation in order to guarantee the security of the country and the people, Defence Minister Tibor Benkő said on Thursday.

The army contributes to protective efforts against the coronavirus epidemic, with nearly 1,400 soldiers assisting in the operation of 29 hospitals and 93 other health institutions, he told public Kossuth radio.

Soldiers carry out disinfection tasks when necessary and also help police in border protection, he added.

The pressure of migration is increasing on the southern borders, with an increasing number of migrants trying to enter Hungary illegally, he added.

When Hungary joined NATO, it made a commitment to participate in international cooperation frameworks, Benkő said. As part of this, soldiers get trained on international know-how and methodology, he said.

In recent years, nearly 1,000 officers participated in various international training schemes and educational programmes to meet the requirements of their positions, he said.