49 Sodobni vojaški izzivi, oktober 2018 – 20/št. 3
Contemporary Military Challenges, October 2018 – 20/No. 3
MODERNIZACIJA	V	MADŽARSKI	VOJSKI
József Padányi
László Földi
MODERNISATION	WITHIN	THE
HUNGARIAN	DEFENCE	FORCES
V vsaki državi je najpomembnejša dolžnost vlade zagotoviti varnost državljanov. 
Skladno s tem se je vlada Republike Madžarske odločila, da z ukrepi o modernizaciji 
madžarskega obrambnega resorja in njegovega paradnega konja, madžarske vojske, 
ni več mogoče odlašati. Program za vojaški razvoj Zrinyi 2026 in sredstva, ki so 
v okviru njega zagotovljena, so tako po dolgem času omogočili nekaj pomembnih 
izboljšav v zmogljivostih madžarske vojske. V nadaljevanju bomo predstavili nekaj 
segmentov teh izboljšav. Začeli bomo s kratkim opisom trenutnih varnostnih razmer 
na Madžarskem in njenih varnostnih izzivov ter predstavili nekaj odzivov nanje. 
Predstavili bomo tudi glavne mejnike v razvoju vojaških zmogljivosti in opisali 
korake za izboljšanje organizacije, opreme, kadra in usposabljanja.
Varnost, modernizacija vojske, zaščita območja, madžarska vojska.
The security of citizens in every country is the main responsibility of the government. 
By accepting this, the Government of Hungary decided that it was no longer possible 
to postpone the modernisation of defence and its main attribute, the Hungarian 
Defence Forces. The Zrinyi 2026 military development programme and the resources 
alongside it make it possible for there to be tangible improvement in the capabilities 
of the Hungarian Defence Forces after a long delay. In this article we illustrate some 
of its segments, starting with a short description of the present security situation 
in Hungary, its security challenges and possible solutions to them. We will also 
demonstrate the main developments of the military capabilities, describing the steps 
in the improvement of organisations, equipment, personnel and training.
Security, modernisation of the military forces, area protection, Hungarian Defence 
Forces (HDF).
Povzetek
Ključne 
besede
Abstract
Key words
DOI:10.33179/BSV.99.SVI.11.CMC.20.3.3
 50 Sodobni vojaški izzivi/Contemporary Military Challenges
Introduction Despite the fact that we can find more than a hundred different approaches on the 
internet, it is still difficult to put the notion of security into words. In the following 
we are going to attempt that, by the illustration of the defence situation in our own 
country to describe the modernisation of the defence system.
In the many coloured approaches to defence there are some areas where the majority 
of analysts agree. According to the generally accepted approach the security of some 
accentuated areas is a determinant when a country’s security is evaluated. In this 
way the nature of the military, political, economic, environmental and social aspects 
of the security dimensions also illustrates the nature of the security of the examined 
community.
It is not our aim to introduce a detailed description of the different dimensions of 
security, so we are simply going to refer to their main components. The objective 
and subjective characterisation of military security had become quite one-sided 
in the previous decades1. This was good from the point of view that Hungary was 
not part of military conflicts where regular or irregular military forces participated. 
We must not forget, however, that there was a civil war in neighbouring Ukraine 
at this time. The other point of view, which is less self-congratulatory, is that the 
full illusion of military security, both in the opinion of the decision makers and in 
the civilian population, downgraded the most important establishment of military 
security, our Army, the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF). Development had stopped; 
the appreciation of the personnel was low. This appreciation had not improved 
significantly in spite of the hard work of our soldiers during flood defence, water 
supply and other humanitarian tasks. In the meantime, our work in international 
missions was appreciated by our allies, but their domestic value remained limited.
 1 SECURITY SITUATION IN HUNGARY
The Security Strategy of 2012, which still applies today, defines in detail the 
risks posing a threat to the security of the country2. It deals emphatically with the 
possibility and the danger of the local and regional appearance of conflicts based 
on ethnic, regional or other causes, not forgetting the wars in former Yugoslavia. It 
highlights the risk of the uncontrolled proliferation of nuclear weapons and carriers, 
the threat of terrorism, financial security, cyber security, energy security, the impact 
of environmental changes, and the presence of organised crime, especially drug-
related crime. At this point the security challenges of migration and that of extremist 
groups also appear.
1 http://2010-2014.kormany.hu/download/b/ae/e0000/national_military_strategy.pdf downloaded: 14th August, 2018.
2 Government Decree 1035/2012 (21 February) on the National Security Strategy of Hungary, A 
Kormány határozata Magyarország Nemzeti Biztonsági Stratégiájáról. http://2010-2014.kormany.hu/
download/f/49/70000/1035_2012_korm_hatarozat.pdf downloaded: 14th January, 2018.
József Padányi, László Földi
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Today some of the statements in the security strategy have become somewhat 
outdated, so a new one is being prepared3. Among the reasons for this requirement 
it is indicated that there is a change in the security environment of Hungary, mass 
migration, and strengthening of the terrorism threat, as well as changes in the system 
of functions and tasks in the HDF. The working group is led by the deputy Secretary 
of State, who is responsible for defence policy and defence planning; the members 
of this group include the Minister of Defence, the Minister of the Prime Minister’s 
Office, the Minister of Foreign Trade, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister 
of the Interior, and representatives of secret services, and as invited guests, the 
President of the Hungarian National Bank and a person appointed by the Strategic 
Defence Research Centre at the National University of Public Service.
When discussing the security situation in our country we cannot omit the above-
mentioned document, since its wording alludes to the threatening dangers and so it 
is fundamentally pertains to the answers.
In case of Hungary we must mention in the first place the fact that there is a civil 
war in neighbouring Ukraine. It is true, however, that this situation does not affect 
our borders, unlike the Balkan Wars, but the impacts are direct. We are talking about 
a country where there is a Hungarian minority who are quite often the target of 
Ukrainian nationalists. These actions include attacks against the symbols of the 
Hungarian minority, the acceptance of the language law, problems in domestic 
politics, and economic problems. To veil these problems, the rhetoric of the 
government became stronger from time to time, with reference to the risks of dual 
citizenship. All this is in a country where a strong and consequently balanced state 
is merely wishful thinking.
We cannot forget that in many countries in the Balkans the fire still invisibly glows. 
There are unsolved problems that make the relationship of the unformed states 
tense; visibly there are no answers to the questions of minorities and the issue of 
their territorial belonging comes up again and again. The question of the fate of 
the Hungarian minority requires special attention. The latest is a source of mutual 
disagreements even in countries where the governmental structure is strong and 
balanced.
The situation in some of our neighbouring countries is an opportunity for the 
appearance of security problems, such as the illegal arms and drug trade, organised 
crime, money laundering, environmental pollution crossing borders, or the recent 
problems of the violation of the regulations of animal health and their cross-border 
impacts.
3 Common ministerial decree 57/2016 (24 November) on the formation of a supervising committee for overviewing 
the National Security Strategy, HM-MvM-BM-KKM együttes utasítás a Nemzeti Biztonsági Stratégia 
felülvizsgálatára létrehozott munkacsoportról. https://net.jogtar.hu/jr/gen/hjegy_doc.cgi?docid=A16U0057.HM&ti
meshift=fffffff4&txtreferer=00000001.TXT#lbj0id906d Downloaded: 14 January, 2018.
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The information society highlighted security threats in areas such as cybercrime or 
the failure of systems directed by computers. Today we are in a situation where we 
rely on computers every minute of our lives. In my opinion the reprogramming of 
large dispensing and directing units, even an uncontrolled situation left for just a 
minute, can produce serious harm to society. Let us just think about possible damage 
to the banking system, problems with air traffic control, or malevolent intrusion into 
the system of health protection (Kovacs-Krasznay, 2017).
When we speak about the security of our country we need to emphasise that natural 
and manmade disasters still comprise part of our everyday lives, even though we 
pay more and more attention to their prevention (Hornyacsek, 2017). According to 
the Hungarian National Bank, in Hungary in the first nine months of 2017 a total 
of 167 million forints were paid out as compensation by branches of the insurance 
companies excluding life insurance, which was 11% more than the previous year and 
reached the peak of 20104.
Terrorism and security, both in theory and in everyday practice, are strongly entwined. 
Many experts have dealt with the concept of terrorism, the ways it occurs, and its 
characteristics. There have been as many opinions and approaches as writings, but 
there is one thing that everyone agrees on: of the factors endangering security, 
terrorism is the main one. It is not necessarily the number of victims, but more the 
methods of how it is committed that are in the highlights of the news.
Migration waves have shaken Europe and drawn well-seen demarcation lines on 
the map of the continent. The population of the target countries have realised that 
migrants of different cultures do not want or at least are reluctant to adapt to the 
society of their host country. Conflicts occurring every day in most countries led to 
the realisation that migration is a security issue. Those countries that prepared for 
this challenge in time, and filtered and limited or stopped migrants before entering 
their country, preserving their previous level of security, became wanted tourist 
attractions. Security is a basic investment issue so this fact also has a direct impact 
on investments (Ujhazy 2017).
 2 NEW TYPES OF SECURITY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS TO THEM
In our opinion the newly appearing security challenges do not necessarily pose 
threats unknown so far, but it is more that the previously known dangers appear in 
new forms. We are going to look at two of those now. One of them stems from a 
summary of challenges caused by overpopulation, while they mutually strengthen 
each other causing a serious security challenge.
4 Disasters: This year (2010) was the third most expensive of all times for the insurance companies, Katasztrófák: 
minden idők 3. legdrágább éve volt az idei a biztosítóknál. https://www.portfolio.hu/finanszirozas/biztositok-
penztarak/katasztrofak-minden-idok-3-legdragabb-eve-volt-az-idei-a-biztositoknal.271601.html downloaded: 
15th January, 2018.
József Padányi, László Földi
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The facts and the forecasts of experts show that our planet’s population has been 
growing exponentially. This, expressed in numbers, means that at the beginning of 
history there were 200 million humans, by 2000 6.5 billion, and by the estimation 
of the UN the Earth’s population may reach 9.8 billion in 2050. The situation is 
further worsened by the fact that because of rapid urbanisation the estimated number 
of people living in cities will grow from 3.4 billion people in 2012 to 6.4 billion 
by 2050. This crisis has developed step by step; the growth in population increases 
very quickly, but biological resources and supply systems can take the pressure. 
This is followed by a situation where resources will not be able to satisfy all the 
needs5. Crossing a critical point due to further growth in population, systems will 
collapse. This will be true of the water supply, production and supply of food, and 
the depletion of energy resources. This will consequently cause havoc that will lead 
to enormous dissatisfaction giving way to chaos, violence and eventually lead to the 
extinction of humankind.
I am not saying that this is where we are now, but in certain ways we are pushing the 
boundaries. A good example of this is the crises caused by climate change which has 
generated social tensions at several points of the world due to limitations in the water 
and food supply. Several experts have stated that the 21st century will be the century 
of the fight for fresh water. To demonstrate this here are some examples:
 – The water supply in Crimea, which lacks natural fresh water sources, appeared 
immediately after the annexation of the peninsula (18 March 2014). Russian 
leaders admitted that this is the most serious problem in the peninsula annexed 
from Ukraine, since its water supply depends on an “outer source”. On 26 April 
2014 Ukraine closed the Northern Crimean channel, which supplied the Crimean 
peninsula with fresh water. The channel connects the main branch of the river 
Dnieper with the Crimea and provides 85% of the fresh water supply of the 
peninsula.
 – Security specialists agree that in the Iraqi and Syrian conflicts the defining reason 
for success is the acquisition and maintenance of control over water sources. In 
areas poor in water, rivers, channels, springs, and water-connected establishments 
are primary military targets for all belligerents. Potable water is a strategic device; 
its possession is indispensable for achieving permanent success in military 
operations.
 – Egypt and Ethiopia have been in disagreement for a long time, and the reason for 
this is the use or diversion of the water of the Nile. The conflict sharpened when, 
in spite of the continuous opposition of Egypt, Ethiopia started to build the biggest 
dam and water power station on the Ethiopian part of the Nile. Egyptian leaders 
stated that because of the situation, which had become very problematic, they 
were considering an attack against Ethiopia.
 – Mao Tze-Tung realised the special strategic importance of the plateau of Tibet, 
which is in a geographical buffer zone of 2.4 million square kilometres. This area 
is between China and India, as well as China and Afghanistan. The other reason is 
5 http://globalproblems.nyf.hu/globalis-problemak/a-fold-tulnepesedese/ Downloaded: 17th January, 2018.
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its priceless water reserve. Its elevation of 4500 metres gives the water excellent 
quality and keeps it fresh. The biggest water reserve after the Arctic AND the 
Antarctic is on the plateau of Tibet. This is the reason why it is called the “the 
third Pole”. There are many rivers which start their long journey here, such as the 
Honcho, the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Salween, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra. 
The plateau of Tibet supplies water to more than half of the world’s population.
On the surface this problem does not apply to Hungary, but on the other hand, because 
of its geographical position, it is very vulnerable when it comes to fresh water. Our 
main rivers arrive from outside the borders, so we are not the primary owners of them. 
Our relationship with our neighbouring countries is good, but despite this fact it was 
not possible to arrange positively either the question of the power plant in Bos (Bős) 
or that of the cyanide pollution. Both show that we are not in exclusive ownership of 
the fresh water sources flowing through the country. In times of crisis we depend on 
the benevolence of others, and let us have no illusions; if it is necessary to make the 
decision that due to limitations it is necessary to reduce the consumption of water, 
each government will take its own side.
Another impact that has consequences up to the present day, both for Europe and for 
our country within it, is the pressure of migration. The majority of migrants started 
their journey for economic reasons, since in their countries there was a lack of the 
resources. To tackle the migration situation following 2015, we spent approximately 
300 billion forints, which shows that it is impossible to avoid indirect effects. The 
building of the temporary border sequestration, its maintenance and its guarding 
requires further expense and considerable efforts from the bodies concerned.
It can be seen that no country can exclude itself from the impacts that multiply 
themselves even when the problems are outside the borders.
Another challenge worth mentioning is called hybrid warfare. Many people have 
dealt with this concept in different ways; this is what we have highlighted: “Hybrid 
warfare as a complex strategic (system) model is nothing less than a system of devices 
for states and alliances to reach their goals that, with the limited application of 
military operations, guarantees to reach geopolitical aims decisively by transforming 
non-military resources and methods” (Simicsko, 2017).
It is worth highlighting from the wording that it is definitely not the “military resources 
and methods” that dominate, but any other means that help reach the desired aims. It 
is a familiar approach; that there is “nothing new under the sun” in this area too can 
also be applied to the following:.
Belisarius (13 March 505-565) said: “The fullest and the happiest victory is the one 
when you force the enemy to give up their goals without you being hurt” (Kaiser, 
2017).
József Padányi, László Földi
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Sun- Tzu (544-496BC) said the following about the same idea: “Who wins a 
thousand of battles is not the best of the best. The best of the best defeats the enemy 
army without a fight” (Tokaji, 2015).
The poet and military leader Zrinyi Miklos (1620-1664) was also familiar with this 
thought: “A captain does not need to think immediately about a fight, but must try 
everything possible to fight the enemy either by hunger or by other tricks, because 
fight goes with luck and luck is uncertain” (Kovacs, 2003).
These thoughts illustrate that the approach of showing the manifestation of will in a 
complex way is already well known. This system changed as the time went by, since 
it depends on the development of technology and on the level of knowledge and of 
military science. At the time of Sun Tzu there was no way that the arms race in space 
could even be imagined, and today the race is going on in cyberspace. The regulation 
“trinity” of the final state of traditional military operations had turned by the time 
of hybrid operations; in the place of primary success in the old wars “to destroy – 
occupy – break”, asymmetric warfare’s rule is “to exhaust – break – bleed out” and the 
rule of hybrid warfare is “to break – cause disfunctioning – occupy” (Resperger, 2017).
The demonstration of the full arsenal of hybrid warfare, in our opinion, has never 
happened in place or time, even though the USA and Russia mutually accuse each 
other of this. At the same time some elements are continuously present in our 
everyday lives, so our country also must prepare for such situations. The critical 
areas are the strengthening of society and the necessary development of the HDF.
 3 STEPS TAKEN IN THE DIRECTION OF THE MODERNISATION OF 
THE HDF
The strengthening of society is served by the emphasis of patriotic values, their 
implementation, and their support in every possible way. The government of our 
country realised the security “gap” that is characterised by the lack of defence 
capability and the social acknowledgment that goes with it. The visible form of this 
realisation is the Zrinyi 2026 military development programme6.
Simicsko Istvan, the Minister of Defence, stated the following at a conference: “The 
security of Hungary is based on three pillars: on the preparedness of the HDF and 
their knowledge, capabilities and spirit; on our NATO alliance; and on the patriotic 
commitment of our citizens.”7 Thoughts referring to military security appear in the 
points of the development programme. The essence of the programme is that the 
HDF can provide answers to new challenges if it itself approaches the problems in a 
new way, whether that be migration or the appearance of hybrid warfare.
6 http://abouthungary.hu/zrinyi-2026/ Downloaded: 14th August, 2018.
7 https://www.orientpress.hu/cikk/2017-09-29_simicsko-magyarorszag-biztonsaga-harom-pilleren-alapszik 
Downloaded: 14th January, 2018.
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The government accepted an anti-terrorism package accordingly: the notion of 
terrorism was included in the main law. Thus with this law the prepared military units 
can assist the work of the law enforcement services. These aims are strengthened 
by the creation of the Military Police Centre, which serves the strengthening of 
the country, and besides that, it can be offered for working abroad, possessing the 
capabilities necessary for international missions8.
Taking part in border guarding is part of the complex approach. Approximately 
13,000 soldiers have been in service at the southern border in recent times, and in 
parallel to that, our participation in international missions with the strength of 1000 
personnel has not lessened. We participate in various missions in different places in 
the world, in about 15 countries.
An important breakthrough is that “the 1298/2017 (VI.2.) government decision 
concerning the accomplishment of the Zrinyi 2026 programme of defence and 
military development” opens new dimensions for the improvement of the HDF9. The 
defence and armed forces programme planned for ten years to modernise the HDF is 
the biggest venture of the past few decades.
A new national security strategy is being developed for the Zrinyi 2026 programme 
which is organised according to the new challenges, and on its basis the military 
strategy also changes.
It is obvious that these changes require resources. It is accepted by the government 
that the Hungarian military budget will reach 2% of GDP. Another important goal is 
that the budget’s expenditure profile is optimal: 40% should be spent on operations, 
30% on wages and 30% on development. With the Hungarian 2018 budget of about 
428 billion, which in terms of GDP is about 1.2% in the budget planning, we are 
approaching this optimal rate expected by NATO.
The important elements of the Zrinyi 2026 programme are the following:
To strengthen air transport capability, i.e. to change the An-26 and Jak-52s: Air 
transport capability is strategically important both for the security of our country and 
for the defence forces. As the first step two A-319 Airbuses arrived in February 2018. 
They are multifunctional, troop transport aircraft. It does not mean that the existing 
An-26s will be decommissioned; while they can still be safely used and have combat 
value, they will be used.
The short term and long-term establishment and maintenance of the equipment with 
rotating blades (helicopters): We are going to lengthen the operating time of the 
existing Russian helicopters, and we will modernise them as necessary, firstly the 
8 https://honvedelem.hu/szervezet/mh_krk Downloaded: 2nd April, 2018.
9 https://net.jogtar.hu/jogszabaly?docid=A17H1298.KOR&txtreferer=00000001.txt Downloaded: 2nd April, 2018.
József Padányi, László Földi
 57 Sodobni vojaški izzivi/Contemporary Military Challenges
four Mi-17s. After considerable refurbishment and upgrading they will be able to 
operate for another seven years, approximately until 2025. This does not mean that 
there is an aim to get new or new-ish helicopters.
The acquisition of devices, from small aircraft to fighters, on domestic basis, helps 
our pilots to train and develop.
An important part of the development is the strengthening of air defence capabilities, 
including the acquisition of the smallest aircraft up to the development of Grippen 
fighter planes.
Besides the above mentioned developments, and because of the continuously 
growing threat, the HDF is committed to the continuous development of cyber 
defence capabilities10 with the application of informatics experts, high-level related 
education and training, and the procurement of the latest hardware.
Concerning land forces, the development of the special purpose artillery and armoured 
engineer troops, as well as that of the field command system, is the main aim. To 
be able to maintain the special operational capacity of the HDF to meet the rapidly 
changing international challenges, it is necessary to re-examine the organisational 
structure, too. Part of this is the reorganisation of the regiment of special purpose into 
a brigade that, based on the experiences of the past and international feedback, enables 
it to establish a unit which better meets the international and domestic requirements 
for special operational capability. From the point of view of its professional makeup, 
similarly to other units, the present military organisation comprises a wide spectrum 
of soldiers of different branches who will remain after the enlargement. During the 
reorganisation, with the establishment of the brigade, the staff will grow only by one 
third of the present number and will not exceed 1500 people11.
In the area of logistic support the improvement in personal operational equipment, 
and placement in barracks is an important development aim. In 2018 we spent 11 
billion forints on the development of the bases in Hodmezovasarhely, Tata and 
Szolnok. Another important area is the procurement of new vehicles, which will 
also invigorate the Hungarian military industry. In cooperation with the MD Currus 
private company and Ikarus Vehicle Technics Ltd. the CURRUS ARIES-VOLVO 
type buses were made for the HDF, and 15 items were provided in the first phase. 
The VOLVO chassis-based new buses were supplied by a Euro VI engine. The 
vehicles are capable of transporting 40 people or 12 casualties. The 15 buses of 2018 
will be followed by 40 more this year, and according to the plans, there will be 100 
for the HDF by 201912.
10 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/52074_a_jovo_egyik_fo_feladata_a_kibervedelem Downloaded: 2nd April, 2018.
11 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/65132_dandarra_alakult_a_kulonleges_rendeltetesu_ezred Downloaded: 2nd April, 2018.
12 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/109382_atadtak_az_uj_katonai_buszokat Downloaded: 2nd April, 2018.
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We acquired 27 Raba trucks for approximately 3 billion forints, 8 mobile checkpoint 
kits, 4 kits of trailers used for the quick laying of wire obstacles and one forklift 
truck. We changed 20-25 year old freight vehicles to the Hungarian Raba H14s. 
At the acquisition an important point was that, unlike before, the products of only 
one manufacturer must be in the system; in this way operation and maintenance is 
much simpler. The mobile checkpoints will be used mainly in mission tasks, but 
they could be applied in the event of a terrorist attack13.
The modernisation of logistic support has also begun. Accordingly, the HDF 
established a field supply point, and bought automobiles with special devices 
for the military police; 49 new minibuses; Raba type trucks, some of which are 
supplied with NBC protection, and others are capable of transporting hazmat, 
ammunition, and explosives; trucks capable of lifting 18 tons; and telescopic 
loading machinery. One part of the recent acquisitions is a Mobile Autonomous 
Fire Range Kit element, which, thanks to its computer-led managing and evaluating 
system and target-moving equipment is capable, even without an established firing 
range structure, of carrying out infantry and special firing exercises14.
Another important step is the modernisation of the car pool. A visible result is 
the acquisition of 250 Suzuki cars, with which the revamping of the old car pool 
of 20-year-old cars has begun. With the acquisition of these 120 BHP, 1600 cm3, 
petrol- engine vehicles (with EURO6 environment protection qualifications), the 
MoD bought the best quality and best equipped cars. The new cars have everything 
necessary for safe driving such as ABS blocking obstruction, ESP electric 
movement stabilisers and a tempomat15.
One of the highlighted elements of the developments is the improvement in the 
personal equipment of the soldiers. The new uniform is more comfortable and it 
serves better for the new challenges ahead. Among other things it is supplied with 
light reflection, which aids better camouflaging. According to the plans the entire 
change in uniforms will take place in the next three years.
Another thing that serves the purpose of changing the personal equipment of 
soldiers is that soon the manufacture of infantry small weapons will commence 
in Hungary, based on a Czech licence: the first step is assembly, and domestic 
production will begin on 1st January 201916.
The new voluntary reserve system, based on territorial defence, is one of the 
important pillars of improvements, and consequently we are going to discuss it 
13 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/109291_a_magyar_honvedseg_folyamatosan_fejlodik_minden_eszkozbeszerzes_az_
orszag_es_a_magyar_emberek Downloaded: 2nd April, 2018.
14 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/60900_mi_a_katonat_latjuk_az_eszkoz_mogott Downloaded: 3rd April, 2018.
15 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/109414_atadtak_az_uj_honvedsegi_szolgalati_gepjarmuveket_a_fovarosban 
Downloaded: 3rd April, 2018.
16 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/109462_uj_merfoldko_a_haderofejlesztesben Downloaded: 3rd April, 2018.
József Padányi, László Földi
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in detail. The HDF will transform and renew the voluntary reserve system and, 
as a new element based on the support of the local communities, will establish a 
voluntary territorial defence reserve service system.
The aim is the establishment of voluntary territory-protecting reserve companies 
in each county within the country, so that in the event of necessity there would 
be a well-trained applicable force. The members of the area protection reserve 
company, during their training, will get theoretical and practical knowledge which 
strengthens the defence capability of the local community, whether it is a defence 
or a disaster management situation. Since the soldiers may have protocol tasks as 
well, their presence may elevate the quality of local commemorations.
Contracts for the reserve service can be signed only by physically and mentally 
healthy people. The applicants must undergo the 2nd type of aptitude test, which 
examines their capability to acquire and keep small hand weapons, ammunition, 
gas and other non-lethal weapons. The examinations are financed by the HDF. 
Reservists have the right to be paid for the contract signing, for being available, 
for the training time, and according to the payment category, they receive a basic 
salary, accommodation in the barracks, free meals and free clothing and travel 
expenses.
In the event of actual military service (even for 1-2 days) there is payment according 
to rank, free clothing, food, and travel expenses.
It is very important that the training of reservists must be carried out where they 
live, mainly in their home district, or at least in their county. The training takes 20 
days in a module system; in this way each training session is no longer than 4-5 
days. The task of the personnel is to participate in different emergency situations 
such as flood defence, security at various events, further reservists’ recruitment 
and parade tasks at different district and county events.
The aim of the development is that by 2026 there will be approximately 20,000 
reservists in the forces, and there will be reserve units in all 197 districts17.
During the development of the military life model, the salary of the soldiers will 
rise by 5% in 2018, so between 2015 and 2019 their income will have risen by 
50%. Another sign of the appreciation of soldiers is the introduction of the labour 
market bonus. This bonus applies to the crew besides the compulsory salary rise, 
and it depends on their school qualifications.
Assuring the trained human resources of each organisation, including the HDF, 
for the next generation is a determined aim. This is helped by the establishment 
of the Defence Sports Alliance, which helps to popularise military-type sports, 
17 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/109389_ujabb_merfoldkohoz_erkeztunk Downloaded: 3rd April, 2018.
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strengthens the relationship between the military and society, and reorganises the 
system of military education. The main aim of the establishment of the Defence 
Sports Alliance is the development of a new generation of healthy patriotism 
leading to a healthy lifestyle.
The above-mentioned aims are also served by the establishment of the Military 
Sports Centres. Their aim is to include as many members of society as possible 
in the programme of defence education, through sport, on a voluntary basis. The 
programme does not only support fighting sports, but it aims to attract young 
people’s interest in sports, including their health protection. This programme is 
not for schools; it is more for outdoor and free-time activities, and thus it allows 
organised sport activities. Consequently the facilities of the sports centres are not in 
schools. The provision of voluntary defence education for citizens is a public task 
and so the centres will provide opportunities for sports that give useful knowledge 
of defence.
The planned centres will be established as multi-functional, and usable for several 
purposes. They will be able to introduce sports such as shooting as a free time 
activity, and provide practice in safe, organised circumstances; practise sports 
important for defence such as martial arts, fencing, shooting and others; and 
teach first aid and navigation. At the same time they will provide a place for the 
programmes of the Defence Sport Alliance, social events connected to defence 
education, and function as a community area for different social events.
In the first phase of the new programme, in the budgetary years of 2017 and 2018, 
sports centres will be established in 40 sites in district and county centres, spending 
17.5 billion forints. During the second phase the development will continue in 
a further 67 places. The establishments will be organised according to the local 
circumstances, and completely new facilities will be built or existing ones will be 
restructured, enlarged or modernised18.
Even though it is not a part of the Zrinyi programme, we must mention here the 
modernisation of the facility pool of disaster protection, since in the event of a 
natural or other disaster the army plays a crucial role. With the cohesive support 
of the EU, and with the financial association of the state, the development will 
take place within the Szechenyi 2020 programme, affecting 25 military groups. 
Eighteen of them will get capacity enlargement, and at the same time it will be 
possible to establish seven new groups.
The project “Development of the Capability of the HDF to Intervene in Disaster 
Management” mainly deals with the extension of the tool park necessary for defence 
against flooding. The 2,215 billion forint investment, with the aim of enriching the 
HDF, includes modern information and communication devices, broad band radios, 
18 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/66541_uj_elnoke_van_honvedelmi_sportszovetsegnek Downloaded: 4th April, 2018.
József Padányi, László Földi
 61 Sodobni vojaški izzivi/Contemporary Military Challenges
amphibian transport capacity, large capacity petrol-operated portable fresh water 
and tainted water pumps, 300m3 elastic fuel supply containers, damage protection 
canvases, equipment for field kitchens, equipment for diving, special portable 
chemical detention instruments, protection clothing, lifebelts and life vests, heavy 
land machinery and heavy machinery transportation carriages.
The result of this development will be that the effectiveness of those taking part in 
the flood defence will increase, as well as the security of the civilian population. 
The primary aim of the development is to maintain and enlarge the capacities for the 
present disaster relief tasks. The implementation of the programme is continuous. 
It is likely that further appliances will arrive in the second quarter of 201819.
Last but not least, we must mention the renewal of the officer training of 2012. In 
that year the National University of Public Service was established, and one of its 
faculties is responsible for officer training. The Faculty of Military Science and 
Officer Training is the successor to all military further education establishments, 
such as the Zrinyi Miklis National Defence University. The Faculty is the only such 
facility in Hungary, and stems from the traditions of Hungarian officer training, 
following in the footsteps of our ancestors, yet it is modern, scientifically based, 
and at the same time leads practical training according to the military profession.
The educational units are organised into four institutes (leader training, operational 
training, logistic training and air force training institutes) and they envelop almost 
all military areas. The military science and military professional training at the 
faculty enables that young people who chose a military career get to the special 
area they are most interested in. From armour to artillery, from signals to IT, 
from military supply services to technicians, from air traffic control to air force 
technicians, there is a broad range of professions to master.
In the past six years the Faculty has continuously developed its educational and 
research capabilities following the needs of the HDF, adapting to the changing 
security environment. Education includes BSc, MSc, and PhD levels, but the 
Faculty also offers advanced leadership education, courses and language teaching.
The main part of the PhD education is the Doctorate schools. In the Doctorate 
School of Military Science and the Doctorate School of Military Technology, both 
civilians and the military can get a PhD.
This modernised military education provides committed, loyal, highly trained 
specialists in different units to the HDF.
19 https://honvedelem.hu/cikk/109089_kapacitasbovites downloaded: 4th April, 2018.
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 62 Sodobni vojaški izzivi/Contemporary Military Challenges
In previous decades several armed forces reforms began but stalled due to the lack 
of resources. The Zrinyi 2026 programme is the first comprehensive modernisation 
programme that envelops the entire military, and there are available resources for 
it. However, most of the development funds go to the procurement of equipment 
of a non-combat nature, which will play a key role in capability enhancement. The 
accomplishment of a modern combat mission and operability of a modern armed 
forces, besides many other factors, is based on technological advancement and 
superiority. The state and effectiveness of the logistics system can sometimes make 
the difference between success and failure. Mobility and manoeuvrability are also key 
components, e.g. airlift capability is necessary to take part in international operations 
and humanitarian and crisis management tasks. The developments that have started 
show that if the programme is successful, the HDF will be ready to meet national as 
well as NATO requirements, and face the newly appearing security challenges.
1. ABOUT HUNGARY: http://abouthungary.hu/ The inside source. From the International 
Communications Office, Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister, downloaded: 14th 
August, 2018.
2. Hornyacsek, J. (2017). A biztonságunkat veszélyeztető tényezők, és a katasztrófák elleni 
védekezés átfogó megközelítése (Comprehensive approach of the factors endangering our 
security and defence against disasters), Hadmérnök 2017/1. pp 84-114.
3. Kaiser, F. (2017). A katonai erő helye, szerepe a humanitárius beavatkozásoknál (Role of 
the military forces during humanitarian actions) In: Az igazságos háborútól az igazságos 
békéig. (From the fair war to the fair peace) (Editor: Gőcze, István) Dialóg Campus 
Kiadó 2017. p.174.
4. Kovács, L.; Krasznay, C. (2017). Digitális Mohács 2.0: kibertámadások és kibervédelem 
a szakértők szerint. (Digital Mohacs 2.0: Cyber-attacks and cyber defence by the experts) 
Nemzet és Biztonság 2017/1. pp.3-16.
5. Kovács, S. I. (2003) (editor). Zrínyi Miklós összes művei (All papers of Miklos Zrinyi) 
Kortárs Könyvkiadó, Budapest 2003.
6. Orosz, Z., (2017). A Magyar Honvédség előtt álló kihívások a XXI. században (Challenges 
for the Hungarian Defence Forces in the 21th century) Hadtudomány 2017/3-4. pp.77-84.
7. Resperger, I. (2017). Az aszimmetrikus hadviselésre adható válaszok (Possible answers in 
asymmetric warfare) Honvédségi Szemle 2017/1. pp.24-43.
8. Simicskó, I., (2017). A hibrid hadviselés előzményei és aktualitásai (Antecedents and 
actualities of hybrid warfare) Hadtudomány 2017/3-4. pp.3-16.
9. Ujházi, L., (2012). A migráció, mint biztonsági kihívás és a Vatikán válaszai a 
menekültkérdésre (Migration as a challenge for the security and the answers of the 
Vatican for the refugee crisis) Hadtudomány 2017/1-2. pp.162-173.
Summary
Bibliography
József Padányi, László Földi