Hungary to have the most modern helicopter fleet in CEE

Hungary’s defence minister on Tuesday welcomed completion of the Hungarian Armed Forces’ light helicopter fleet following delivery in December of the 20 H145M utility helicopters to their base in Szolnok, central Hungary.

Tibor Benkő said the armed forces had fulfilled their commitments to prepare for deteriorating security situation in Europe and to protect Hungary and its people.

Benkő said

Hungary was a dedicated member of NATO and “we have tasks and obligations” in the alliance which can only be fulfilled with the help of 21st century equipment and highly trained soldiers.

He added that the defence development programme dubbed Zrínyi 2026 was around one-third complete and future air force developments under the programme would include the acquisition of 16 H225 helicopters between 2023 and 2025.

Airbus executive vice-president Matthieu Louvot said

the H145M was the most modern and versatile utility helicopter in the world, and thanks to the supply of H225 helicopters between 2023 and 2025, Hungary would have the most modern helicopter fleet in central and eastern Europe.

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