The Hungarian Ground Forces (Hungarian: Magyar Szárazföldi Haderő, Hungarian pronunciation:[ˈmɒɟɒrˈsaːrɒzføldiˈhɒdɛrøː]) is the land branch of the Hungarian Defence Forces, responsible for ground activities and troops, including artillery, tanks, APCs (Armored Personnel Carriers), IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), and ground support. The ground forces have a history of serving in Iraq and are currently involved in the KFOR (Kosovo Force) operation.
The predecessors of the Hungarian ground forces include the Royal Hungarian Landwehr, the Royal Hungarian Army, and the ground force components of the Hungarian People's Army. During the Cold War, Hungary was supported by the Soviet Union and was a member of the Warsaw Pact. However, after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Hungary significantly reduced the number of tanks and troops and closed several garrisons. The Hungarian Army now focuses on national security, peacekeeping, and international conflicts. Notably, Hungary became a member of NATO in 1999.
History
In 1963, the Ground Forces of Hungary included the 5th Army, established in 1961 at Székesfehérvár. This formation comprised the 7th Motor Rifle Division in Kiskunfélegyháza, the 8th Motor Rifle Division in Zalaegerszeg, the 9th Motor Rifle Division in Kaposvár, and the 11th Tank Division in Tata. The 34th Special Reconnaissance Battalion in Székesfehérvár was also a sub-unit of the 5th Army. Another significant combat formation was the 3rd Army Corps in Cegléd, which consisted of the 4th Motor Rifle Division in Gyöngyös and the 15th Motor Rifle Division in Nyíregyháza).[2]
According to Michael Holm, the 3rd Army Corps at Cegléd, Military Unit Number 6639, was established on 1 November 1966. It remained identically organized in 1970 and 1980, but by 1988, it was restructured to include four mechanized infantry brigades, one tank brigade, one artillery brigade, and three artillery regiments (AA Missile, Anti-Aircraft Artillery, and Anti-Tank Artillery), along with other smaller units.[3]
With the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact in 1991, both the 5th Army and the 3rd Mechanized Corps were disbanded. The Hungarian Defense Forces inherited the assets and personnel of the Hungarian People's Army. However, due to the changed geopolitical situation and economic constraints, the Army underwent significant force reduction and asset adjustments.[4]
After Hungary's accession to NATO, the procurement of newer and more modern multi-purpose equipment began. This included various vehicles, communication equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, and modernization of existing assets such as radar locators and anti-aircraft missile complexes.[5] However, the lack of resources in the armed forces limited significant improvements until the mid-2010s.
In 2021, the Hungarian Ground Forces completed their mission in Afghanistan and announced the conclusion of evacuations on August 26, 2021. Airlift operations successfully evacuated 540 people, including Hungarian citizens, Afghans, and their families who had previously worked for Hungarian forces.[6] Prior to the withdrawal, the number of Hungarian troops present in Afghanistan had already been reduced to ten.[7]
Hungary
