NATO’s High-Tech Defense Innovation Network to Grow in Hungary
NATO Expands Defense Innovation Network in Hungary
The Ministry of Defense in Hungary announced on Monday that NATO DIANA, the defense innovation organization of the military alliance, will be expanding its presence in the country. This expansion includes the inclusion of accelerator and test centers for technological development in its research and development network.
The goal of this expansion is to ensure that defense-based innovation goes beyond just developing cutting-edge technologies and producing defense equipment. The aim is to create added value that can benefit a wider range of societies. Hungary will now join NATO’s growing defense innovation network with the addition of an accelerator center and test centers.
The establishment of these centers will strengthen both domestic and international research and development cooperation within NATO. This collaboration will also focus on the exploitation of new technologies for both defense and civilian purposes. This dual-use aspect is expected to contribute to the development of the Hungarian industry.
The first DIANA accelerator center in Hungary, named VIKI-Nokia, will be the result of a collaboration between the Defense Innovation and Research Institute of Hungary (VIKI) and Nokia Solutions and Networks Ltd. Additionally, Hungary will have six accredited DIANA test centers, further solidifying its role within NATO.
Two Hungarian test centers, the ZalaZONE Automotive Test Track and the ZalaZONE Research and Technology Center, have already been included in NATO’s innovation network. The Ministry of Defense highlighted the country’s exceptional knowledge base, expert community, and state-of-the-art infrastructure in artificial intelligence, automation, and 5G technologies.
Brigadier General Imre Porkoláb, Ministerial Commissioner for Defense Innovation, emphasized Hungary’s representation in the DIANA ecosystem by nine institutions. This demonstrates Hungary’s expertise in key technological fields and its commitment to advancing defense innovation.
Deeph Chana, DIANA’s Executive Director, highlighted the strength of the organization’s transatlantic network and the diverse expertise of its partners in accelerating the development of innovative solutions for defense, security, and peace.
This expansion marks a significant step towards enhancing Hungary’s contribution to NATO’s defense innovation efforts and fostering collaboration in the field of technology development.
Via MTI, Featured image: honvedelem.hu
