Hungary will deploy a new air defense system in the north-east of the country amid rising tensions and an escalation of the war between Ukraine and Russia. This was announced by the Minister of Defense Kristof Salai-Bobrovnitsky after a meeting of the Defense Council chaired by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, quoted by News.bg.
Security Measures
The minister said that the recently purchased air control and air defense systems will be deployed in the northeastern region, which borders Ukraine. The decision is part of efforts to increase the country's preparedness in response to growing threats:
- Army Modernization: Hungary recently purchased the French Mistral systems and the US-Norwegian NASAMS manufactured by Kongsberg and Raytheon Technologies.
- Increased readiness: Some units of the Hungarian army have been put on high alert.
Escalation context
The decision comes against the backdrop of:
- New US ATACMS missile strikes from Ukraine, which Russia sees as a significant escalation.
- A change in Russia's nuclear doctrine announced by President Vladimir Putin that allows for nuclear strikes in a wider range of conventional attacks.
Political position of Hungary
Despite the strengthening of defense measures, the defense minister emphasized that Hungary remains committed to a peaceful solution:
„We still believe that there will be peace as soon as possible, through diplomacy instead of a military solution.“
Significance for the region
As a member of NATO and EU, Hungary occupies a key strategic position in Eastern Europe. The deployment of air defense near the border with Ukraine underlines the seriousness with which the country perceives current events and security risks in the region.