PHOTOS: First Hungarian KC-390 cargo plane arrives from Brazil

The first Hungarian KC-390 military cargo plane has arrived at the base in Kecskemét, in central Hungary.

Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the KC-390 was part of an effort to equip Hungary, a pro-peace country, with stable, strong and reliable tools to maintain the peace.

The modernisation of Hungary’s air force is one of the priorities of a bid “to build a 21st century new armed forces with a high operational value in all modes of combat,” the minister said.

The “terrible war that has been raging in our neighbourhood for two years” also highlighted the need to protect Hungarian airspace, he said.

A new radar and missile system has been installed to that end, and Hungary has purchased Girdan and Leopard combat vehicles in a push to build a heavy-duty brigade, as part of a NATO commitment and a further step in developing its defence capabilities, Szalay-Bobrovniczky said.

Embraer Defense and Security CEO Joao Bosco da Costa Jr said the KC-390 will be equipped with an intensive care unit crucial for health-care missions, “making Hungary capable of taking on an even more prominent role within NATO and Europe.” The plane will be ready to be deployed in military as well as humanitarian operations, he said.

The Hungarian Armed Forces are purchasing two Embraer KC-390, having phased out its AN-26 cargo aircraft. KC-390’s are capable of carrying 26 tonnes of cargo and can be re-fuelled mid-air. It can carry 80 troops or 74 wounded soldiers.

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