On the occasion of National Defence Day, the Hungarian Armed Forces (MH) will organise a Family Day in the City Park (Városliget) in Budapest on Sunday, 21 May. Various military vehicles will be showcased, there will be close combat and explosive ordnance disposal demonstrations, and the soldiers of the Vitéz Szurmay Sándor Budapest Garrison Brigade of the Hungarian Defence Forces will perform a ceremonial parade.
According to the event’s Facebook page, the Hungarian Armed Forces will present their high-tech equipment, and visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the daily life of a modern military. Among others, the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, the Gidrán armoured fighting vehicle, and the Leopard tank will be on display, and visitors will also have a chance to take a closer look at the Atlas air defence missile launcher and the Skylark 1-LEX unmanned reconnaissance aircraft.
The exciting event, which aims to bring the Hungarian Defence Forces closer to the public and encourage young people to opt for a military career, will feature 22 military exhibitors, including chemical defence units and deep reconnaissance teams, while the explosive ordnance disposal personnel will conduct a static demonstration with robots, bomb suits, shields, metal detectors, and deactivated bomb bodies. At the recruitment point, visitors can participate in airsoft and laser rifle shooting, try out VR simulators, and experience a mobile obstacle course. Information about voluntary and contractual military service can also be obtained there.
At the MH Sports Company booth, attendees will be able to chat with Olympic, world, and European champions as well as selected military athletes. Those interested in officer training in the military can receive detailed information at the tent of the Faculty of Military Sciences and Officer Training of the University of Public Service.
21 May was designated National Defence Day in 1992 because it was on this day that Hungarian soldiers managed to recapture the Buda Castle after a three-week siege at the end of the spring campaign in 1849.
