Hungary kicks off stunning military exercise to boost EU defense capabilities, minister affirms
The military exercise “Brave Warrior 24” has kicked off near Kőröshegy, a small Hungarian village located south of Lake Balaton. The Hungarian Defense Minister expressed that the primary goal of this drill is to enhance the defense capabilities of the European Union. Additionally, it serves as a platform for Hungarian soldiers to exhibit their expertise and skills to their allies.
The reinforcement of the EU’s defense and crisis management capacity is crucial due to the ongoing migration situation, as stated by the head of the Hungarian armed forces following a gathering of the European Union Military Committee’s (EUMC) chiefs of defense in Budapest. This three-day EUMC meeting, held as part of the Hungarian EU presidency’s agenda, marks the second meeting conducted outside Brussels.
Hungary is dedicated to supporting the military operations of the European Union in order to bolster the EU’s military role and establish a unified military force to combat external threats. The collective objective is for the EU to take a leading role in ensuring its own security. Through their contributions, the Western Balkan countries have contributed significantly to Europe’s defense and peace.
General Robert Brieger, the chairman of the EUMC, emphasized that the strategic discussions during the meeting involved the activities of the EU’s naval forces in the North-West Indian Ocean, the EU’s rapid response units, assistance to Ukraine, and the involvement of the Western Balkan countries in the common defense and security policy. The EU is on the verge of achieving full operational readiness, which will enable prompt responses to various crisis scenarios.
Efforts to support the training of the Ukrainian armed forces were also discussed during the meeting to enhance their defense capabilities. Hungary remains neutral regarding the EU’s training mission in Ukraine, with Hungarian troops opting not to partake in it.
In a social media post, Hungary’s defense minister, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, highlighted Hungary’s vision of establishing a modernized army. The photos capturing the ongoing military exercise showcase the dedication and commitment of Hungarian soldiers towards strengthening EU defense capabilities.
