“At the end of the twentieth century -- especially after joining NATO -- we justifiably believed that we had reached a level of security that meant that the main task and responsibility of Hungarian soldiers were preparation and readiness, but in the past two years the world has very much changed,” the president said.

“Hungarian soldiers at home and beyond the border must carry out defence duties constantly, and nothing less than Hungary’s sovereignty, self-determination and security are at stake.” Defence Minister István Simicskó said Hungary’s goal was to become one of the region’s strongest military powers by 2026.

Given the country’s recent economic progress, Hungary has a chance to develop its military unlike at any other time in the last 25 years.

Hungary is preparing to launch one of the most comprehensive military development programmes of the past quarter-century, which would enable its military to meet the security challenges both present and future.

The programme, dubbed Zrínyi 2026, includes upgrading the military’s airplanes and helicopters and reorganising the volunteer reserves system. The ministry aims to have volunteer reservist units in all of the country’s 197 districts, Simicskó said.

The minister said that the military contributed some 15,000 soldiers to Hungary’s border control efforts. In 2016, the Hungarian armed forces participated in some 40 international exercises, while some 1,000 troops had served in international missions.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Koszticsák Szilárd