Hungary has become the centre of European military cooperation as it hosts MILEX 2025, an extensive international military exercise aimed at strengthening the operational readiness of the European Union’s rapid response forces. The exercise, which runs from 25 March to 10 April, involves over 900 soldiers, including Hungary’s Gidrán infantry unit, who will engage in coordinated operations utilizing advanced military techniques and strategies.
The Hungarian Ministry of Defence announced that the training is taking place at the Pápa Air Base and the Central Training and Shooting Range, where troops will carry out live-fire exercises and complex tactical maneuvers. The goal is to assess and enhance the effectiveness of the EU’s battle groups in executing coordinated responses to potential security threats.
Lieutenant General Ferenc Kajári, Deputy Chief of the Hungarian Defence Forces, emphasized that MILEX 2025 is not only a chance to rehearse joint military tasks but also a demonstration of Hungary’s commitment to strengthening European defence capabilities. He highlighted the significance of rapid response operations and international collaboration in addressing future security challenges.
The exercise follows the framework of the EU’s Strategic Compass, a defence initiative adopted in 2022 to improve Europe’s military readiness. It began with a computer-assisted command exercise in early March, which tested rapid-response decision-making procedures. The current phase, now unfolding in Hungary, focuses on field operations where troops will undergo live combat drills and tactical coordination exercises.
MILEX 2025 has drawn participation from 11 EU nations, including Poland, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Spain, France, Croatia, Lithuania, and Latvia, alongside Hungary. The operation is overseen by EUROCORPS, a multinational European military force, with Hungarian soldiers playing a key role in its execution. Military maneuvers are taking place at the MH Böszörményi Géza Training Ground and the MH 47th Air Base.
The exercise plays a vital role in enhancing European defence cooperation and ensuring that EU forces can respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats. As security challenges continue to evolve, MILEX 2025 represents an important step toward reinforcing military coordination among European nations, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more resilient European defence strategy.
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