Hungary’s Air Force just got a game-changer: The 2nd KC-390 has landed!
On Friday, the Hungarian Defence Forces received their second KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft at the MH vitéz Szentgyörgyi Dezső 101st Air Base in Kecskemét. Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, present at the welcoming ceremony, highlighted that recent years have also focused on modernising the air force.
Hungary’s air force strengthens
As part of Hungary’s defence and force development programme, the first KC-390, numbered 610, arrived last autumn. The new aircraft, numbered 611, now joins the fleet. “These two aircraft, like siblings, will provide vital service at the Kecskemét air base,” said the minister, noting that this type of transport capability was previously missing from Hungary’s air force arsenal but is now available.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasised that development efforts are ongoing: just a few days ago, three new L-39 Skyfox tactical training aircraft also arrived in Kecskemét. “The fleet is not yet complete, but its numbers are steadily growing,” the minister added.
With its modern technology and substantial transport capacity, the KC-390 Millennium significantly enhances the Hungarian air force’s capabilities, contributing to more efficient logistics and military operations.
The bridge that connects
“This conference serves as a bridge connecting our air forces,” said Brigadier General Ferenc Könczöl, commander of the Hungarian Armed Forces’ 101st Air Brigade, at a joint professional forum held by the nations operating and procuring the KC-390 medium military transport aircraft. This year, Hungary is hosting the week-long annual conference for the first time.
“On these occasions, we strengthen our official relations, share valuable experiences with each other, and build friendships, all of which form the backbone of our cooperation,” emphasised the commander of the Kecskemét unit in his welcoming speech. He added that countries that already operate and have contracted the aircraft but have not yet put it into regular service share common tasks, challenges, and goals.