The United States blocks the sale of arms to Hungary
The move is aimed at putting pressure on Hungary regarding the expansion of the alliance ahead of next month’s summit.
The relationship between the United States and Hungary is becoming increasingly combative, napi.hu reports. So much so, that Senator James E. Risch, the ranking Republican member of the Foreign Relations Committee, is stopping the USD 735 million US arms sale to Hungary for not contributing to Sweden’s membership of NATO.
Risch told The Washington Post that “Hungary must allow Sweden into NATO if it wants the arms package, which includes 24 HIMARS rocket launcher batteries, and more than 100 rockets and pods along with associated parts and support.”
“The fact that it is now June and still not done, I decided that the sale of new U.S. military equipment to Hungary will be on hold,” said Risch, whose objection prevents the Foreign Ministry from moving forward with the sales process.
A spokesman for the US State Department declined to comment, as did a spokesman for the Hungarian government.
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13 Comments
No worries American weapons are inferior anyway. Hungary can buy superior military equipment from Russia or China and most likely Iran. Hungary should seriously consider leaving the sinking ship called NATO (North Atlantic Terrorist Organization) and the European Union. Both of them have hitched their wagons to the dying US empire. The sooner America dies the sooner the entire planet will have lasting peace.
The US blackmailing a small country? Really? If the American armament manufacturers do not want the business, there are other manufacturers that will happily fulfill the order. The US is acting like a baby.
Hehe, Putin trolls are quick to response that American arms deals are not needed. Sure, other arms dealers will provide the same great weapons that allowed Putin to invade another country in a fast “military special operation”… no wait… how did it go?
Maybe there is still something that the West knows better than “other manufacturers” when it comes to high tech military equipment.
I do believe that Hungary will join Türkiye and buy their next bigger arms from the east. Good luck with that. I hope there will be a way to throw Hungary out of NATO as Hunagry will never voluntary leave a beneficial alliance.
Orban’s behind will get more and more sore from the spanking he will get and it will come from many countries.
Typically petty behaviour from this US administration.
As evidenced in current operations further east, HIMARS isn’t all that great anyways.
I’m sure there are other Non-US, Non-RU manufacturers who can provide a similar system without strings attached.
Or, alternatively, HU can buy an export license and just manufacture them domestically – as HU has successfully done many time in the past.
De Fransen zullen wel leveren! Zij verkopen onmiddellijk aan landen die door de VS worden geboycot! Zij zijn de smerige toer die de VS en GB hen lapten bij de verkoop van onderzeeboten aan Australië nog niet vergeten! Toen maarschalk Sisi de macht greep in Egypte verbood Obama nog wapens te verkopen aan dat land! De Fransen profiteerden hiervan en verkochten 35 Rafales aan de Egyptische luchtmacht samen met nog ander wapentuig! De VS is net als het Romeinse Rijk aan zijn ondergang begonnen! De Chinezen moeten enkel nog wat geduld hebben en Taiwan is terug in de Chinese stal!?
Orban – continues to DESTROY the proud name of Hungary.
The destruction with country’s Governed under DEMOCRACY – the Prime Minister has DESTROYED.
Hungary – our position within the European Union – we have been HUMILIATED by Orban and his Government, that never, if we stay a member or be REMOVED, never whilst the name of Orban is seen in paper work with the European Union, will we Hungary receive any FAVOURS.
NATO – destroyed our reputation by Orban.
United States of America – destroyed reputation through the “Power Games” signed off from the desk of Orban practiced by his Government.
In the DESTRUCTION processes acted out through Orban – he has – his Government have been DISMANTLELING the process and Governance of Hungary from Democracy, to the “ways” of Russia and China.
Orban – has “Killed off” Democracy in Hungary.
What has through ALL that has taken place in Hungary over 14 years, the “Second” coming of Orban – what has been achieved?
What are we 14 years on – what are we LEFT to live in?
What FUTURE are we to see ?
Financially and Economically – it’s KNOWN that we Hungary are literally STUFFED.
Orban and his Government, they will INFLICT more pain and suffering on us by extracting FURTHER taxes to “Feed” the collapsing Government, that Orban leads.
This process on us citizens in our millions will grow in PAIN on us.
Its ALL looking right across the BROAD picture of Hungary, at this point in time and into the FUTURE a very bleak and sickening picture – DEPRESSIVE.
What if the Swedes decide to sit on some export permits – that would ground our air force, outright:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_JAS_39_Gripen
For all the various folks shouting that we can source elsewhere – REALITY – the global arms industry is sold out for the coming years. Unless you have pre-existing orders or clout (numbers, budget) – not happening. And we’re a NATO Member – we are obligated to use NATO spec gear. As the Finns and the Swedes do, for good reason.
Just imagine you’re Hungarian military fighting alongside other NATO forces and need to wait for the Hungarian truck with the Hungarian parts and munitions to rock up. As ex Army myself – I’d dread the thought. “Bocsi! Your munitions from Iran didn’t arrive! Fit bayonets!”
With blackmailing allies like this, who needs enemies?
When Argentina invaded the Falklands in 1982 were USA or NATO quick to support the UK. Never ….. UK had to go it alone. Okay, there were some under the table dealings but at the end of the day USA and NATO should have supported UK. It was UK territory …. end of.
These “famous” himars have been proven to be largely ineffective against the Russians so I am thankful this senator blocked the sale.
@Wizzen – re blackmailing allies, are you referring to our Politicians actions within the EU or NATO?
You reap what you sow. Nobody feels guilty, considering Hungary’s track record. We fully understand!
Hungary considered the possible interest in Himars ‘closed’ after the deadline of Mar 2022, after the US DOD, never got back to the initial request for more information on them. The Government procurement for the defense ministry never put in an order for any HIMARs. There are a lot to choose from, even Turkey found that out with the SAMS.
So the claims of this old rep wreck are not entirely true..so to say..
https://hungarytoday.hu/no-himars-for-hungary-u-s-blocks-arms-sale/