Hungary is implementing an effective modern program to strengthen the armed forces (Magyar Honvédség) called Zrínyi 2026. The declared goal is to build up combat potential, armament and strengthening the army.
Budapest plans to restore defense capacities. After all, until now, as Hungarian Ambassador to Ukraine Istvan Iidjarto said, “weapons have not been produced in Hungary. Weapons have been provided by Great Britain, Germany and many other countries.”
Own production of weapons in Hungary
The Hungarian state company HDT Vedelmi Ipari Kft has acquired 100% of the shares of the Austrian company Hirtenberger Defense Systems (HDS), which belongs to the Hirtenberger Holding GmbH group and is engaged in the production of weapons and ammunition. Recently, it has specialized in the production of 60, 81 and 120 mm mortars, their ammunition and sights. HDS has subsidiaries in Austria, the UK and New Zealand.
Budapest has committed to maintaining the company's previous business profile, extending all trading activities and its development. The acquisition of Hirtenberger Defense Systems is a very important, although not very visible, element of Budapest's strategy to restore its own production of military weapons.
The development of the Hungarian military industry against the background of the Russian war against Ukraine
Officials coordinating the investment hope that Hungary will enter the international arms market as an exporter. Although others hide this project. In the context of world wars and geopolitical tensions, the demand of states, including Hungary, for weapons has increased, and the need for readiness to ensure their defense has also increased. And Hungary is not alone in its decision to restore its own weapons production capacity.
Pay attention! produce Lynx infantry fighting vehicles, partly for use by their army, and partly for export.
BMP Lynx/Photo czdefence.com
Although political and financial instability is growing in Europe, there are many factors in the short and medium term that contribute to the development of the export of the Hungarian military industry.
The Need for Modernization of the Armed Forces in Europe
Europe is arming, almost all European countries have begun to modernize their own armed forces. Even the traditionally strong military states involved in international operations do not have sufficient resources.
Many European countries lack modern infantry fighting vehicles that can be used to organize command air defense equipment, as well as long-range artillery equipment and drones.
In Hungary, well-known military brands are creating production facilities. Not only production is planned, but also research and development activities.
Government program for the modernization of military equipment Zrínyi – 2026
Prime Minister Orban confirmed that Hungary will honor its commitment to NATO by increasing defense spending by around 2% of GDP. The official government program for the modernization of military equipment Zrínyi 2026 is calculated until 2026, but the deadlines have been extended to 2030-2032. New equipment purchased and ordered includes new CZ BREN 2 assault rifles (manufactured locally), helicopters, transport and trainer aircraft, tanks, armored vehicles, radars and surface-to-air missiles.
< em>Viktor Orban wants to strengthen his armed forces/Hungary Today
Hungary has ordered 20 H145M and 16 H225M. All H145Ms have been delivered by the end of 2021. The H225M is expected to arrive between 2023 and 2024.
Hungary has signed a contract for the supply of 44 Leopard 2 A7+ tanks and 24 PzH 2000 howitzers for 300 million euros, which will be delivered in 2021-2025. In 2020, Hungary and the Rheinmetall Group signed a contract to start production of the Lynx family of infantry fighting vehicles. The first batch of 200+ Lynx vehicles is expected to start arriving in 2024-2025, expected to reach operational capability in the Hungarian army in 2026-2027.
How Hungary is arming: watch the video
Hungary provides both research and weapons production
It is obvious that Hungary set the goal of meeting the needs of its army and promoting military and dual-use products in foreign markets, increasing competitiveness and inclusion in international supply chains.
Using the advantage of its geographical location, the presence of a developed production infrastructure, the ability to provide production of high-tech products and partnerships with leading defense industrial companies, Hungary has every chance of success.
However, the localization of the production of modern weapons on Hungarian territory and the build-up of combat potential during the war between Russia and Ukraine is a concern.
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After all, Hungary has not provided assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russians, and has also expressed support for maintaining trade relations with Russia and for lifting or easing economic sanctions against the Kremlin. In fact, Budapest has taken perhaps the most pro-Russian position in Europe. Therefore, militarization of the country leaves open questions.
