The Hungarian Armed Forces are ready to counter potential acts of foreign sabotage, declared Chief of Defense Staff Zsolt Sándor during a visit by NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone to Budapest. NATO officials also assessed the readiness of Hungary’s soldiers and their participation in joint defense operations.
Hungarian Armed Forces Declare Readiness Against Sabotage
According to Hungary’s chief of defense, the country is prepared to respond to any foreign sabotage. Colonel General Zsolt Sándor said the armed forces possess the necessary national security resources and sufficient military personnel.
This statement was made on Friday, November 13, at a joint press conference with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee.
Sándor emphasized that Hungary intends to continue fulfilling its defense commitments within the North Atlantic Alliance. In his words, the country has consistently strived to act as a reliable ally, as demonstrated by its involvement in joint military activities.
NATO Official Reviews Hungarian Troops’ Readiness
During his visit to Hungary, Giuseppe Cavo Dragone also traveled to the Bakony mountains, where he inspected the static display of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup stationed as part of the Alliance’s forward presence.
The program included meetings with representatives of Hungary’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Admiral Cavo Dragone also met with the chairs of parliament’s defense, law enforcement, and foreign affairs committees. He paid a visit to the National University of Public Service as well.
At the press conference, the admiral praised the preparedness of Hungarian troops. He said they take their duties seriously and through their work help maintain the Alliance’s collective defense capabilities.
Cavo Dragone described Hungary as a strong and reliable NATO ally.
Budapest Highlights Participation in Foreign Missions
Zsolt Sándor also pointed to the long-term involvement of Hungary’s soldiers in foreign peace missions. He mentioned Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina as key locations where Hungary contributes to international security efforts.
According to the chief of defense, Hungarian troops are prepared to fulfill all obligations arising from their commitments to the Alliance. Regular training and joint military exercises play a crucial role in their preparation.
Cooperation among member states remains a fundamental principle of NATO’s collective defense.
Europe Increasingly Focused on Hybrid Threats
Budapest’s warning comes at a time when European countries are paying closer attention to possible sabotage, cyberattacks, and other hybrid threats.
Such activities may target critical infrastructure, energy, transport, or military facilities. Investigations into these incidents are often complicated, especially when it is not possible to clearly identify the perpetrator.
The Hungarian staff’s statement does not indicate that authorities have uncovered a specific planned act of sabotage on Hungarian soil. Sándor spoke about the army’s overall readiness for potential threats, not about a confirmed and immediate security incident.
For NATO, it remains essential that member states are able to coordinate their defensive capabilities and respond swiftly to any security threats.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
