Hungary and Türkiye elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in 2023. Since then, cooperation has expanded beyond military procurement to include defence innovation, training, and joint exercises. The two countries are also working closely within NATO, where Türkiye contributes to regional security through its participation in NATO’s multinational battle group stationed in Hungary.
Hungary and Türkiye have established a Defence Innovation Working Group, further strengthening their strategic partnership in the field of defence innovation. ‘This event marks an important milestone in the defence industrial and technological cooperation between the two countries,’ the minister stated, adding that ‘we are strengthening the prominent strategic partnership between Hungary and Türkiye in the field of defence innovation, which has been in place since 2023.’
Following the ministerial-level talks, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Güler stated at a joint press conference that ‘we attach special importance to bilateral cooperation with our friend and ally Hungary,’ adding that ‘Hungary is one of Türkiye’s most important partners in Europe.’
A decision has been made to develop a multi-year cooperation between Hungary’s Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) and Türkiye’s TÜBITAK SAGE, aiming to establish educational and training programmes, and facilitate joint defence research and development projects between the two countries.
‘As part of the joint Roadmap, defence industry and innovation stakeholders from both countries will start a structured and regular dialogue,’ the Hungarian minister stated.
Türkiye has been an active participant in NATO operations, including Hungary’s Adaptive Hussars 2023 Exercise, the country’s largest military drill in three decades. The two countries actively cooperate on key initiatives, including the Multinational Division Headquarters (HQ MND-C), which will soon reach full operational readiness, and the NATO Forward Land Forces (FLF) multinational battlegroup, both stationed in Hungary.
‘Hungary highly values Türkiye’s counterterrorism efforts, which play a crucial role in ensuring regional stability and strengthening Europe’s security’
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted that Hungary and Türkiye are both committed to the stability of the Western Balkans, working with all available means to support the region. ‘Our efforts are reflected in the fact that our troops serve together in both NATO’s mission in Kosovo and the EU’s mission in Bosnia. Hungary highly values Türkiye’s counterterrorism efforts, which play a crucial role in ensuring regional stability and strengthening Europe’s security.’
The meeting took place just days after Hungary received energy security guarantees from the European Commission, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to protecting natural gas and oil pipelines, as energy security has become increasingly vital for the Central European country, which relies on oil and gas imports via the TurkStream pipeline.
The two countries have declared 2025 to be the Hungarian–Turkish Year of Science and Innovation, a dedicated year aiming to accelerate joint research, innovation exchange, and academic mobility, as Hungary sees Türkiye as a key partner not just in the defence sector, but in other areas as well. Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky expressed satisfaction that the relations between the two countries are at their ‘most advanced level’, noting that Hungary is proud of ‘maintaining cooperation with Türkiye both directly and within NATO.
Related articles:
