Hungary will deploy an Air Defence System in the northeastern part of the country due to concerns over the escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced on Wednesday.
The decision follows heightened tensions after Russian President Vladimir Putin adjusted the parameters for a nuclear strike, signalling a broader response to conventional attacks. The announcement came in the wake of Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles on Tuesday, which Moscow has labelled a significant escalation.
“The threat of the escalation of the Ukraine-Russia war is greater than ever,” Szalay-Bobrovniczky stated in a video posted to Facebook late Wednesday. “We still trust that peace will come as soon as possible, through diplomacy instead of a military solution.”
However, Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized the need to prepare for all contingencies. He disclosed that recently acquired air control and air defense systems would be deployed in Hungary’s northeast, a region that shares a border with Ukraine. The decision followed a meeting of Hungary’s Defense Council, convened by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to address the rapidly evolving situation.
Details of Deployment and Modernization
While the minister did not specify which components of Hungary’s air defense system would be positioned in the northeast, the country has been actively modernizing its military capabilities.
Hungary, a member of NATO and the European Union, has recently upgraded its arsenal. Last year, it purchased French Mistral air defense systems as part of a joint acquisition with four other EU countries. In 2020, Hungary also agreed to buy NASAMS air defense systems from Norway’s Kongsberg and U.S. arms manufacturer Raytheon Technologies.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky added that certain military units had been placed on high alert, further underscoring the government’s readiness amid heightened regional tensions.
Regional Context and Escalation
The deployment decision comes as Hungary, which shares a significant border with Ukraine, seeks to bolster its defenses in response to the growing threat of spillover from the ongoing war. The use of U.S.-made missiles by Ukraine to target deep inside Russian territory has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow, which views the development as a direct provocation.
The conflict has prompted NATO members to enhance defensive measures in bordering states, with Hungary being no exception. The Orban government, while maintaining a cautious stance on the war and advocating for diplomatic solutions, appears to be balancing its position by strengthening military preparedness.
TeamBharatshakti
(With Inputs from Reuters)
