4 comments

1. I would NOT be worried about the Russians, I would be more concerned about the US or NATO trying to regime change Hungary for not going along with Soros and the EU’s open borders agenda. It would actually be better for Hungary to remain neutral or ally itself with Russia. Hungary should up its spending on defensive weapons to retain its sovereignty. The US government is the friend of no one that does not bow down to it.

2. What a sad state of a proud and courageous organization. Hungary better smarten up very quickly. The U.S. giving weapons and equipment to Romania is a big mistake. They will turn tail and run as they have done so many times in the past, so even though they are Nato member, the Hungarians better watch their backs. It seems that there is such grim news coming out of Hungary each day, whether it being the state of the military or the underfinancing of schools and medicine, its embarrassing.
   Mr. Orban should focus more of his attention on these three issues immediately.

3. Hungary has refused to spend adequately for national defense. Current manpower 29,700 (about half the size of the New York City police Department) is completely inadequate to defend the country or even to hold off an enemy until reinforcements from NATO could arrive. Actual manpower is only about 25,000 of which only 8,000-10,000 are actual combat soldiers. A substantial number of these are out of the country at any given time on “peacekeeping missions” in places that have never known peace and never will. To make things worse, the military is top heavy, has a lot of old out of shape males and has the largest percentage (19%) of females in any armed force in the world. There are no real reserves. Right now they have no modern armor. The 32 old T72’s (and about 50 in storage) are so old they can’t even be sold. Much smaller countries in the region, like Bosnia, Croatia, Slovakia have more tanks than Hungary. Other neighboring countries (Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria) have as much as 800 tanks each. Recently, the government has decided to purchase 44 modern Leopard 2A7 tanks, 12 older Leopard 2A4’s and 24 modern self propelled guns. Most of these weapons will not be operational for 2-3 years. This is a step in the right direction but for a country whose neighbor (Ukraine) is in a state of war, these numbers are also inadequate. The Air Force currently has only 11 modern combat planes. Similar size countries (Sweden, Finland, Austria0 have more planes. Hungary needs at least 54-72 modern combat planes to have a credible Air Force. Military expenditures (about 1% of GDP) are below NATO Standards and a disgrace. The day is coming when Hungary may have to face a potential adversary with a tiny, poorly armed, poorly trained, poorly equipped military that will not last more than 24-72 hours in a 21st Century war.

4. Hungary has very poor infrastructure and it is rather unfortunate it’s government is more concerned with getting rich. Not only true with Orban but Gyurcsany was the same. Hospitals need to be built, schools need repair, teachers, doctors and nurses need to be paid as well. The population/workforce needs to be brought up to European standard with regards to pay. Sure there are lots of new businesses being brought into the country, but the workers can not be underpaid. The onus is on the government and it needs to treat the people properly.
   Hungary’s military, although starting to come around, needs to be quickly brought up to speed. More recruits, better training and equipment plus a reserve. Maybe with the purchase of new tanks, artillery and helicopters it will help to attract members. A more professional and larger force is required. 35-50 000 plus a reserve about the same size. A three/four year college course should also include military training throughout. It is not being warlike, but it is for the defense of the country. Switzerland can do it.