Hungary’s defense forces officially took possession of 14 military vehicles from the United States on Monday at a military base in Szolnok, 100 kilometers away from Budapest, reported People’s Daily Online. The military equipment, provided under the Coalition Support Fund, is approximately worth $10 million.
The United States handed over14 “highly mobile multi-wheeled vehicles,” which are commonly known as Humvees, as well as associated accessories, equipment and training equipment.
“The equipment contributes to a new culture of military technology in Hungary as well as enhancing our capability to protect our nation,” said Hungarian Minister of Defense Csaba Hende.With the launch of an upgrading process of its entire defense system, “the vehicles can be put to great use in daily practice for training as well as in joint operations of NATO,” Hende added.
At the official ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis called the ceremony “a significant event in US-Hungarian bilateral security relations.”
“Hungary has proved itself a brother-in-arms, fighting side by side with US soldiers, as well as having shared duties and values, the two countries share an understanding of the threat posed by extremist violence,” she added.
The ambassador referred to a “20 year-long security relationship” with the central European country, during which the U.S. has invested over 50 million dollars in equipment, training and education for the Hungarian Defense Forces.
Hungary became a member of NATO in 1999. Hungarian troops are currently serving in Afghanistan as well as peacekeeping in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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