In light of the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Hungary is taking significant steps to bolster its defense, announcing plans to install an air defense system on its northeastern border with Ukraine.
This move aims to protect Hungary as tensions between the two warring nations continue to grow.
Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky shared the news in a video message on Facebook, stating, “We still trust that there will be peace as soon as possible, through diplomacy and not through a military solution.” However, recognizing the need to prepare for any eventuality, he added, “I have ordered that the recently acquired air traffic control and air defense systems and the capabilities based on them be installed in the northeast.”
This decision comes after a meeting of Hungary’s Defense Council, convened by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, to address the ongoing developments in Ukraine. Szalay-Bobrovniczky also pointed out the growing danger of escalation: “The danger of an escalation of the war between Ukraine and Russia is greater than ever.” He explained that Ukraine has received approval from Western nations to carry out deeper strikes into Russian territory, prompting Russia to consider counterattacks and adopt a new nuclear strategy.
On the specifics of the air defense system, Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized that these new tools would improve Hungary’s airspace control, allowing for faster detection and a more rapid response to potential threats.
Hungary’s military modernization is already underway, with the country having purchased French Mistral air defense systems last year in collaboration with other EU countries. In addition, Hungary signed deals for NASAMS systems with Norwegian and American defense contractors in 2020. While the exact system deployed on the border remains unclear, these advanced systems are expected to provide significant protection.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to mount, with Ukrainian reports suggesting that Russia may have launched its first intercontinental missile strike during an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. If confirmed, this could be seen as a retaliatory move in response to Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied cruise missiles on Russian territory. However, official confirmation of Russia’s use of an intercontinental missile has yet to be provided.
