Defense Forces Expand Capabilities with Newest Tanks, Howitzers and Choppers

“The Hungarian Defense Forces are being developed and we are on the way to creating a fully rearmed, modern, new army, with renewed capabilities and personnel,” emphasized Minister of Defense Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky at a press conference held at the completion of the Gidrán combat vehicle fleet, writes Honvedelem.hu.

“Hungary moved in time! It is a very big thing that now, when our neighbor has been at war for two years, our equipment keeps arriving,” the politician said, underlining the importance of modern fleet, which has been continuously expanded as a result of the Defense and Military Development Program, launched in 2015.

“With every piece of equipment, Hungary’s security increases,” stressed Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, adding that “the Gidráns are our well-known and popular equipment, bearing the name of a beautiful, old Hungarian horse breed.”

Fact

The Gidrán’s original Turkish name is Ejder, meaning dragon, but the Hungarian Defense Forces named it after a Hungarian horse breed with a very significant historical background, the Gidrán. The development of the Gidrán platform by a new Hungarian joint venture was announced in December 2020. The Hungarian vehicles technically constitute a fourth generation Ejder Yalçin with specific modifications for the Defense Forces, including LED lighting and improved ergonomics.

In recent days, two Leopard 2A7HU tanks have been added to the heavy brigade’s equipment fleet, which the minister also assessed as an important step forward. “We are proud of these battle monsters, which with their 72 tons, 73 km/h speed and 450 km range are among the most modern tanks,” the he said, noting that

the acquisition and systematization of these vehicles is essential for the rebuilding of the Hungarian Defense Forces’ tank and artillery capabilities.

Leopard 2A7HU Tank. Photo: Honvedelem.hu, Kertész László

“We are building a very important capability”, highlighted Colonel István Tóth, Commander of the Klapka György 1st Armored Brigade of the Hungarian Defense Forces, in connection with the equipment procurement. As he pointed out, the training of the soldiers of the rifle battalion has been going on for months with Gidrán combat vehicles, as they will be on standby in an EU battle group with the ten available assets during the next year. In the field of artillery, the training of personnel for the new equipment has also been ongoing since the first major deployment in February.

The brigade’s military equipment will continue to expand in the future, with the arrival of several of the eighteen remaining Leopard 2A7HU tanks, among others, expected in 2025.

The development of the Hungarian army is also facilitated by the fact that new types of training are being held. More accurate aiming, easier targeting, modularity and wide usability – this is the HForce weapon system mounted on the H225M helicopter, which is being taught for the first time in Hungary by French instructors.