Starting in October, the Hungarian Defence Forces will strengthen EUFOR’s air transport capabilities with the deployment of a new, modern Airbus H225M helicopter, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday.
According to the MoD statement, Zsolt Kutnyánszky, the State Secretary responsible for defence policy, military development, and the defence industry, made the announcement at the Butmir Camp near Sarajevo. He stated that
the new Airbus H225M helicopter will replace the previously offered Mi-17 helicopter for air transport tasks within EUFOR.
Kutnyánszky emphasized the international recognition of Hungarian soldiers, highlighting that this year the EU mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina is led by Hungarian Major General László Sticz. The introduction of one of the world’s best long-range tactical military transport helicopters also showcases the achievements of Hungarian military development. ‘Our dedicated soldiers’ service will soon be supported by an Airbus H225M helicopter, representing 21st-century technology, here in Bosnia and Herzegovina,’ Kutnyánszky highlighted.
The new helicopter has already proven itself in Macedonia during forest fire control operations and will now undertake mission tasks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is expected to be on standby at the military base near Sarajevo within two months, according to the statement.
Addressing the Hungarian soldiers at the camp, Kutnyánszky spoke about
the significance of their mission in the Western Balkans, which is a region crucial for Europe’s peace.
He praised the exemplary performance of the Hungarian Defence Forces, which contribute the largest contingent to EUFOR. Kutnyánszky underscored that the priorities of Hungary’s European Union presidency include strengthening defence policy, accelerating the integration of the Western Balkan region, and curbing illegal migration, which also affects the area due to its role as a route for illegal migration.
Major General László Sticz commented that the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is fundamentally calm, with challenges arising more from political than security issues. The EUFOR Hungarian commander pointed out that maintaining a peaceful and secure environment is the responsibility of local authorities, supported by the international mission if necessary.
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