Hungary Hosts Largest EU Military Exercise
The international military exercise MILEX 2025 has officially commenced on March 25, focusing on testing the land-based operational capabilities of the European Union’s battle groups. According to a report by Honvedelem.hu, the aim of the exercise is to evaluate the rapid response and coordination capabilities of the participating countries in real-life scenarios, with the exercise scheduled to run until April 10.
With over 900 soldiers involved, including the Hungarian Gidrán Rifle Company, the joint operations will utilize cutting-edge techniques and protocols. The practice sites, located at the Pápa Air Base and the Central Shooting and Training Range, will host live firing exercises and tactical maneuvers to assess the combat team’s preparedness.
Lieutenant General Ferenc Kajári, Deputy Chief of Defense Staff, emphasized that the exercise serves not only as a platform for practicing joint tasks but also highlights Hungary’s dedication to bolstering the EU’s defense capabilities. He stressed the importance of rapid response operations and international cooperation in addressing future security challenges.
The multinational exercise involves soldiers from Hungary, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Spain, France, Croatia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Led by the EU’s multinational military unit EUROCORPS, the Hungarian soldiers are actively participating in the exercise.
Taking place at the “Böszörményi Géza” Training Ground and the 47th Air Force Base in Pápa, MILEX 2025 plays a crucial role in advancing the common European Defense Industrial Strategy and enhancing the effectiveness of future international operations.
In addition to enhancing defense capabilities, the exercise aligns with the EU’s Strategic Guidelines adopted in 2022. By fostering international cooperation and readiness, MILEX 2025 aims to strengthen the EU’s defense capabilities and tackle security challenges effectively in the future.
