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Further Reading

Hungarian Air Force (HuAF) (Magyar Legiero, ML)

Hungary no longer has a separate Air Force, but rather has a variety of air force units that each report directly to the Joint Forces Command. Effective as of 1 January 2007, the Joint Forces Command, HDF (HDF JFC) was established, as the legal successor of the Land Force Command and the Air Force Command, which were abolished. After the organizational transformation was finished in 2007, from 2008, the emphasis was on stabilization and development. The arrival of the Gripen fighters was a milestone, and the activation of the NATO Heavy Airlift Wing in Pápa is one of the biggest professional successes of the past four years In order to support operations, it is very important to preserve the fixed wing airlift capability of the HDF, therefore they plan to prolong the period of service of the An-26 airplanes and modernize them, and from 2014, they will be replaced with other aircraft.

By 1997 only about 60 ofthe Hungarian Air Force's 120 aircraft were flyable. At Kecskemet Air Base, the MiG-29 base in south central Hungary, of the regiment's 28 aircraft, only six or seven were flyable atany given time because of a shortage of money and spare parts. The pilots flew only 44 hours a year as compared to US F-16 fighter pilots who fly between 200 to 250 hours ayear. During the Warsaw Pact era, pilots made one to two times the salary of the average Hungarian worker, but by 1997 a bus driver made more money than a pilot.

As late as the mid-1990's, the Hungarian Air Force (HuAF) continued to operate its fleet of 28 MiG-29 aircraft based on Soviet training manuals published in the 1970s. Because of this, Hungarian pilots were still being taught an operational style based on choreographed maneuvering and GCI vectoring. In 1999, Hungary joined NATO and received assistance in many areas through participation in joint exercises and officer exchanges. The HuAF even received guidance from the German Luftwaffe based on its experiences in operating the MiG-29 in Western fashion. Despite such endeavors, the HuAF found progress slow due to technical and procedural barriers tied to their Soviet aircraft. These former Warsaw Pact MiG-29 aircraft are expensive to operate and maintain, lack essential NATO interoperability capabilities, and are nearing the end of their useful service lives.

Some 14 of the originally 28 MiG-29 were modernized between 2002 and 2004 to soldier on for some more years. As of 2003 the Hungarian air force had 27 MiG-29 fighters, and wished to maintain 14, but most of the engines needed renovation. There were reports in 2003 that the Russian RSK MiG Company may have employed Armaco Ltd, the firm of Péter Szalai, a retired brigadier general closely connected with the Hungarian Socialists, as adviser for HUF 140 million to prevent the commissioning of Russia's state arms merchant company, Roszoboron Export Holding for the renovation of Hungarian MiG-29a.

The MISTRAL air defense system was not introduced into service at the time of the Varsaw Pact time, given the export control procedures of that time. But it was the first Western-type air defense weapon system of the Hungarian Armed Forces. The weapon system was aquired before joining NATO. One of those units equipped with this weapon underwent a Capability Evaluation and subsequently it became the first designated deployable unit of the Hungarian Air Force that met the requirements of the Allied Forces. The initial efforts of the 12th Surface-to-Air Missile Wing (then 12th Air Defense Artillery) after taking over the weapon from the Land Forces in 2004 so as to make the main end items of the weapon system operational and interoperable for the intended employment in multinational environment.

In June 2001 the Government of Hungary requested a possible sale of four F-16A Block 10 operational capabilities upgrade aircraft for cannibalization and regeneration/upgrade of aircraft and engines, together with spare and repair parts, devices, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services and other related elements of logistics support in support of an F-16 lease. The estimated cost is $370 million. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the military capabilities of Hungary while enhancing weapon system standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. This proposed sale and the associated lease aircraft will enhance NATO interoperability while simultaneously providing operational capabilities as the Soviet-era aircraft in Hungarian inventory are eventually retired. This proposed sale would not impact the regional military balance of power. It will also allow the HAF to meet training requirements, as well as national air defense and NATO commitments, starting in early 2004.

But later in 2001, the Hungarian Air Force decided to lease 14 brand-new, fourth-generation, Swedish-British JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft. Not only was this decision motivated by the desire to augment the military capabilities of the HuAF, but also by the need to break away from Soviet equipment and its associated modus operandi. The first Gripen aircraft were scheduled to arrive to Hungary in March 2006. Preparing for delivery of these aircraft and the Western technology/procedures that they infuse is significantly bolstering the HuAF's efforts to adopt NATO-style air operations.

On 30 September 2002, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Hungary of AIM-9M-8/9 Sidewinder Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $55 million. The Government of the Republic of Hungary requested a possible sale of 160 AIM-9M-8/9 Sidewinder missiles, training missiles, All-Up-Round containers, software integration, test and tool sets, support equipment, maintenance facilities, spare and repair parts, personnel training and equipment, publications, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $55 million.

The third and final C-17 Globemaster III to complete the Heavy Airlift Wing aircraft inventory arrived 12 October 2009 and was welcomed by the Hungarian Chief of Defense General Laszlo Tombol and other civic leaders from the surrounding communities. The delivery of the third aircraft marks the completion of the HAW that has been in the buildup stage for the previous year. The first C-17 was delivered to Papa AB on July 18 and the second aircraft arrived here Sept. 21. The wing was officially activated in a multinational ceremony held July 27. The HAW's three aircraft meet the strategic airlift requirements of the 12 Strategic Airlift Capability member nations for missions in support of NATO, the European Union and the U.N. One of the wing's current primary obligations is to support the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

The SAC comprises 10 NATO and two Partnership for Peace nations: Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland (PfP), Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden (PfP), Romania and the United States.

Pápa AB has had a long history with the Hungarian Air Force and the evidence of its past is still visible. MiG-21's and 23's still sit dormant along the flight line and in hardened aircraft shelters, while the base's Mil 17 search and rescue helicopter flies overhead.

HDF 59th ‘Dezsõ Szentgyörgyi’ Air Base

HDF Pápa Air Base HDF 86th Szolnok Helicopter Base HDF 12th Arrabona Surface-to-Air Missile Regiment HDF 54th Veszprém Air Surveillance and Control Systems Regiment HDF Aircraft Repair Plant The 86th “Szolnok” Helicopter Base is the base airfield of all helicopter assets of the HDF, located in the city of Szolnok. One of the many goals of the NATO Training Mission in Afghanistan is to develop the Afghan National Army Air Corps into a legitimate operational force capable of promoting the Afghan governments agenda to not only the rest of the country, but to the world stage as well. The Afghan Air Corps uses the NATO-named Mi-35 Hind E attack helicopter, which shares the same airframe as the Hungarian's Mi-24. The Hungarians have agreed to a provisional year long contract, with three teams of ten instructors to cycle through the year in four month rotations. The Hungarians hope to capitalize on the lessons learned from both their American and Czech counterparts and have designed their instructions accordingly. The 25/88 Light Mixed Battalion is partly independent; however, it is under the direct service subordination of the 25th brigade. The unit is located in the city of Szolnok. During various reorganizations, the battalion remained in its former, separate barrack in the city of Szolnok, but in 2005 the unit had to move into the base of the 86th Szolnok Helicopter Base. The 34th “Bercsényi László” Special Operations Battalion, also located in the city of Szolnok. Both units are dependent on the 86th Szolnok Helicopter Base. This is not an advantageous relationship, because despite the fact that a lot of administrative issue is handled by the 86th, they still belong to air force, which makes this “inter-arms” cooperation somewhat less than seamless. Each battalion (the 34th and the 25/88th) has to deal with the 86th Szolnok Helicopter Base sustainment battalion, because the units are logistically dependent from the “base owner” unit. The base itself has a firing range, killing house, swimming pool, sport complex and a military airfield, obviously with the helicopters. There are natural waterways to practice waterborne operations and scuba diving. The PSTC is also located in the city, and a battalion level training ground and firing range is only 50 miles away. This means that currently the base and the city of Szolnok provides an excellent training infrastructure for a SOF unit.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES OF HUNGARY: IS A TRANSFORMATION NECESSARY? by SZABOLCS PECSVARADY

Approximately half of the nation’s territory is flatland. The Great Plain occupies the entire eastern half of the country and the Little Plain lies along the northwestern border. The two most important rivers, the Duna (Danube) and the Tisza flow across the country from north to south. The region between the Danube and the Tisza rivers is flat, while the region lying to the west of the Danube, Transdanubia, is a rolling hilly country with the largest and warmest lake in Central Europe - Lake Balaton. A range of mountains of medium height stretches from the southwest to the north central part of the country. To the west of the Danube, the Transdanubian Range is 400-900 meters (1,300-3,000 feet) high, divided into the Sopron, Koszeg, Keszthely, Bakony, Vertes, Gerecse, Pilis and Visegrad mountains. To the east of the Danube the Northern Mountain Range rises to the heights of 500-1,000 meters (1,500-3,300 feet), divided into the Borzsony, Cserhat, Matra, Bukk, Cserhat and Zemplen mountains. The highest point is Kekes mountain (1,014 meters) in the Matra Mountains, while the lowest point (78 meters) is near the borders of Hungary, Romania and Serbia in the vicinity of the city of Szeged. The Hungarian “puszta” is a favorite tourist destination where the characteristic animals and the ethnographic traditions can be seen in the Hortobagy National Park and in the Kiskunsag National Park on the occasion of the horse shows. The climate consists of four distinct seasons. The winters are mild (-1°C, 30°F) in the southwest, but can be colder (-5°C, 23°F) in the north and in the mountains. The summers are cooler (16-19°C, 60-65°F) in the mountains and in the west, but the plains can get warmer temperatures (20-23°C, 68-73°F) from June to August. The extremes can go as low as -35°C (-30°F) in winter, and 42C° (107F°) during summer. Indian summer occurs almost every year in October for a week or two. The winter months are drier, while May and June get the highest amount of precipitation on average. The annual average precipitation ranges from 20 inches in the plains to 40 inches in the mountains. Budapest is probably one of the oldest in Central Europe. Archaeological ruins prove that this area was inhabited by Celtic tribes several hundred years B.C. Later Roman settlers and soldiers arrived and established a colony called Aquincum. Although the settlement was destroyed during the course of the centuries, its remains are still visible throughout the area. The city today has a population of some 2 million people. Its architecture is quite unique since it has been preserved over the past centuries. The most important places to see in Budapest are the Parliament, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square, Aquincum, the Castle District with the Fishermen’s Bastion, the Matthias Church, the ancient architecture from the Middle Ages, Margit (Margaret) Island, Andrassy ut, Szechenyi and Gellert Furdo (swimming pools), National Museum and the Chain Bridge. Besides the busy streets and crowded points of interest, the city also offers places to rest and relax. Buda is the hilly part of the city and is full of small parks hidden among the buildings as well as larger preserved forests for hikers and bicyclists. The numerous baths which gave the city its name, “Thermal Capitol of the World”. The city offers street-side café and quaint lunch/dinner many fine restaurants. The Danube Bend is one of the most spectacular places along the river. The towering forest-covered hills offer a wonderful panorama of the region. The places to be visited during a vacation are Szentendre, an old preserved historical town and Visegrad with its nice citadel overlooking the region from the top of a hill. Going further west and southwest are the Vertes and Bakony Mountains. Szekesfehervar (named Alba Regia in Latin) was the capitol of the nation for centuries and it still preserves the ancient ruins of that era. Veszprem, the City of Queens lies in the foothills of Bakony. The whole area is forested and provide many opportunities for hiking. This area is also famous for it’s forts and castles. Some of them can be seen in Nagyvazsony, Csesznek and Sumeg. The world-renowned porcelain factory in Herend and the abbey in Zirc are also in this region. South from Veszprem is Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake. The lake offers countless possibilities to relax. Its shallow and warm water is ideal for families with children. Attractions include: 1. Balatonfured - with its nice promenade. 2. Tihany - the Abbey with the oldest Hungarian written manuscript. 3. Badacsony - famous for its fiery wine. 4. Keszthely - a nice, small town with a elegant castle. 5. Heviz - a small community a few miles from Lake Balaton, which has the second largest thermal lake in the world and is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. 6. The beaches of Balatonlelle, Balatonboglar, Fonyod and Siofok. The northwestern part of Hungary is also rich in historical sites. The old city of Gyor, the Roman ruins in Szombathely, the castle of Fertod and Sarvar, the thermal resorts in Buk, Balf and Zalakaros, the medieval towns of Sopron and Koszeg all offer unforgettable memories of your visit. South of Lake Balaton lies probably one of the most unspoiled regions in Hungary. Large forests, hidden villages and beautiful countryside characterize this region. Even though unspoiled, there are still interesting places to visit. The folk arts in Buzsak, Karad and Szenna near Kaposvar fascinate the arts aficionados. The huge forests around Nagyatad offer excellent hunting possibilities. Further south is Pecs, one of the most beautiful cities in Hungary, founded by the Romans some 1,800 years ago. The countryside around Pecs is excellent for wine-production. The big casks are kept in wine cellars, some of them can be seen in the ancient castle of Szigetvar and Siklos. The other wine-growing region, Szekszard, is an excellent place to hang out and visit the nearby River Danube and the huge swampy forests. Going northeast from Budapest is the most forested and hilly area of Hungary. In these remote mountain areas the visitors can find some very nice historical castles. The castle of Eger saw the most heroic battles against the Turks. The area of Miskolc offers various possibilities for hikers along a path among the most scenic mountains in Hungary. This region is also very rich in thermal baths such as Miskolctapolca, Parad and Mezokovesd, just to mention a few. To the east and southeast a completely different world opens up. The Great Plain in northern part of the region is very remote and people live as they used to live generations ago. At the real plains the horizon opens up. Hardly any forest can be seen here. Grassland dominates the region the westernmost part of the steppe. The most important places are not very historical since this area was devastated by the Turks, yet they offer nice sights. Debrecen is the “Calvinist Rome” which refers to its Protestant cultural and architectural heritage. The Hortobagy National Park is the place people think about when they hear the word ‘puszta’. The ancient types of animals provide a gene pool for genetic preservation. The communities of Kecskemet, Szarvas, Gyula, Bekescsaba, Hajduszoboszlo are all worth visiting, but the most interesting city is Szeged in the southern part of the plains. Its rich cultural heritage and unrivaled architecture offer a unique experience for the visitors. The country offers a nice selection of wines, beers and liquors. Hungary is famous for its fiery wines produced and bottled throughout the nation. The most important wine regions are Tokaj (Aszu), Eger (Bikaver, Leanyka), Sopron (Kekfrankos), Villany (Merlot), Szekszard (Bikaver, Chardonnay), Badacsony (Szurkebarat), and Somlo (Juhfark), but there are a lot more regions, each with its local specialties. Champagne lovers will definitely enjoy the Hungaria and the Torley champagne. The stronger drinks include the Kecskemet apricot and cherry brandy, the Vilmoskorte (William’s pear) brandy, the kosher plum brandy from Szatmar, or the famous Zwack Unicum, a bitter liquor that tastes like medicine since it is full of herbs distilled in alcohol.