NATO Central European Multi-National Division Command achieves full operational capability in Hungary
Hungary, Croatia, and Slovakia Mark Full Operational Capability of Multinational Division Headquarters in Central Europe
During an event in Székesfehérvár, western Hungary, Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky, the defence minister, emphasized the importance of strength not only in arms and numbers but also in the readiness and will to defend what is valued highly. This event marked the full operational capability of the Headquarters Multinational Division Centre (HQ MND-C) in central Europe.
The idea to establish a multinational division headquarters in central Europe was raised by Hungary, Croatia, and Slovakia to address deficiencies in command and control in the region. By achieving full operational capability, the headquarters is now ready to participate in the command and control of NATO operations in the region in the event of a potential crisis or conflict. This enhancement increases deterrence and rapid response capabilities, ensuring an immediate and coordinated response to any threats.
Central Europe is not just a part of NATO’s eastern flank but also a geographical meeting-point of north, south, east, and west. Radmila Shekerinska, NATO’s deputy secretary-general, described reaching full operational capability as a milestone in NATO history, emphasizing the critical role the command centre plays in defending the alliance’s eastern flank and ensuring peace and security for one billion people.
Robert Kalinak, Slovakia’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, highlighted the unstable and unpredictable geopolitical situation, underscoring the vital importance of cooperation among the three countries. Tomislav Galic, Croatia’s state secretary of defence, emphasized that the full operational capability has created a level of security that should not be underestimated but rather utilized and strengthened further.
The deployment of the Central European Multi-National Division Command to Hungary reaching full operational capability signifies a significant step towards enhancing security and defense in the region, demonstrating the readiness and commitment of these countries to protect what they value highly.
