Air Force Nears One-Year Mark in Support of NATO Peacekeeping Mission

The pilots and aircraft technicians of the Hungarian Defense Forces’ 86th Helicopter Brigade have been serving in Kosovo since March 2025. During this time, the brigade has already completed two rotations, and the third will soon be returning home, honvedelem.hu writes.

Hungarian soldiers serving in the area of operations carry out reconnaissance tasks with H145M light multi-purpose helicopters as part of the NATO-led peacekeeping force (KFOR).

Photo: Honvedelem.hu

The presence of the unit not only contributes to maintaining security and stability in the Western Balkans, but also strengthens Hungary’s international role and recognition.

The practice and experience gained during foreign service is particularly valuable for the professional development of Hungarian soldiers.

Cooperation in multinational operations, the application of common procedures, and real-time information sharing all contribute to increasing the preparedness and effectiveness of the helicopter unit. The knowledge and professional skills acquired serve to further develop the combat capability and interoperability of the Hungarian Armed Forces, promoting even closer cooperation with NATO member states and other partner countries.

Photo: Honvedelem.hu

The soldiers of the Hungarian Defense Forces’ 86th Helicopter Brigade are thus providing further proof that the Hungarian Defense Forces are capable of performing in an international operational environment with modern technical equipment, a high level of training, and dedication.

Fact

KFOR, NATO’s peacekeeping force in Kosovo, has been securing peace and security in Kosovo since 1999, after the end of the Serbia-Kosovo conflict. In 2008, Kosovo unilaterally declared its independence from Serbia, which Belgrade has refused to recognize ever since, and Serbia continues to consider the area, which is mostly inhabited by Albanians, as its southern province. In 2021, Major General Ferenc Kajári became the first Hungarian officer to take over the command of KFOR for a year.

Last March, Hungary offered an Airbus H145M helicopter for NATO’s largest land operation, and the 86th Helicopter Brigade of the Hungarian Defense Forces began its service in Kosovo as a member of a special helicopter unit. Hungary’s air force supports the KFOR peacekeeping mission with modern technological equipment. The multi-role Airbus H145M, equipped with an electro-optical sensor (EOS) reconnaissance system, performs reconnaissance and support tasks.

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