One of Central Europe’s most modern military complexes rising on site of former barracks in Hungary

One year after the foundation stone was laid, Hungary is once again building a major military barracks. At the topping-out ceremony of the new special operations base on Thököly Road in Szolnok, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky described the project as a milestone, declaring: “We promised strength, and we have built strength.”

The minister said the facility is being constructed from domestic funds worth HUF 59 billion. Rather than sending this money abroad or, as he put it, “into someone else’s war”, the investment is staying in Hungary and strengthening the Magyar Honvédség.

He emphasised that Szolnok has long been both a military town and a strategically important city that plays a key role in guaranteeing the security of Hungarian citizens.

Rapid military modernisation

According to the minister, the past four years have marked the most visible period of Hungary’s armed forces development. He argued that before 2010 the military relied largely on outdated, Soviet-era equipment and neglected infrastructure. Today, both land and air capabilities have been fully renewed, while previously discontinued capacities such as artillery have been rebuilt.

Personnel numbers have also increased. Both professional and contracted forces have expanded, while the reserve component has grown significantly. The latest recruitment campaign has already brought in its 8,000th new reservist, most of whom have completed training.

Prepared for a dangerous region

Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the war in a neighbouring country presents a real security risk. Hungary’s goal, he stressed, is to avoid being drawn into the conflict. Maintaining this stance requires what he called a “strong and brave government” capable of resisting external pressure.

The new barracks will serve as the headquarters of Hungary’s special operations forces, units known for rapid reaction times, advanced training and specialised equipment.