Hungarian defence minister welcomes military's improved capabilities

Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky viewed a special exercise of the Hungarian military near Újdörögd, in western Hungary’s hills, and said participants had demonstrated “increased reactive and combat capabilities”, on Thursday.

The minister added that a higher degree of alertness, ordered at the beginning of summer, was necessary because of increased security risks in connection with the protracted war in Ukraine and increasing pressure of illegal migration.

The military is conducting a total of 274 exercises over the course of the year, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said.

He said the government’s support for the Hungarian Armed Forces included an average salary increase of 26 percent, highlighting the importance of the troops’ “patriotism, determination and commitment to serving peace”.

Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, commander of the military, said efforts to improve capabilities of the military were centred around developing the technology, practising new ways of combat, and restructuring the army.

The exercise in Ujdorogd began on Aug. 26 and runs until Friday. It involves 300 personnel, 54 pieces of technical equipment and 10 aircraft.