After two years, Hungary once again hosted the NATO Defense College on Monday 09 November. Unlike the previous visit, Course Members and Hungarian officials met virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hungarian officials delivered speeches and presentations from the buildings of the Ministry of Defence on Balaton Street. NATO Defense College Course Members took part from the NDC Auditorium and from their residences in Rome, due to current COVID 19 restrictions. Following each lecture, Course Members of Senior Course 137 addressed questions to political and military leaders. The session was moderated by Hungarian Senior National Representative, Colonel Zsolt Mikusi.
At the end of the virtual visit, Lieutenant General Gábor Böröndi PhD, Deputy Commander of the Hungarian Armed Forces, discussed what is currently the most significant undertaking of the Hungarian Armed Forces: The Zrínyi 2026 Home Defence and Force Development Program. In order for the Hungarian Armed Forces to be a reliable NATO force, political will and financial resources must be ensured. He added that by 2024, Hungarian defence spending will reach 2 percent of the country’s overall GDP.
LGEN Böröndi also spoke of the growth of ground, air and support forces, and the fact that the Hungarian Armed Forces have recruited more than ten thousand reserve soldiers this year. The forces plan to increase this number to twenty thousand by 2030. Under the digital soldier program, soldiers will be equipped and educated in 21st century technology.
In addition to discussing the results achieved, he also stated that the biggest challenge is to change the human factor, and the focus on habits. “Soldiers need to learn to change, forget their previous habits, and acquire a mindset to work with new tools and to adapt to challenges”.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by COL Zsolt Mikusi, HUN A)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN