In a significant move to bolster NATO's eastern defenses, Hungary's Kecskemét air base is set to undergo upgrades to accommodate American-made F-15 Eagle fighter jets and A-10 Warthog close support aircraft. This development comes amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly given warnings from Germany's Federal Intelligence Service about potential military threats from Russia. The U.S. has been reinforcing its presence in Europe, with over 100,000 American troops stationed across the continent, including recent deployments triggered by Russia's actions. As Hungary embraces its role in enhancing European defense capabilities, these upgrades at Kecskemét represent a critical step in the ongoing commitment to regional security.
Yesterday, The Telegraph wrote that Hungary’s Kecskemét air base will undergo upgrades. Reports indicate the base will house U.S.-made F-15 Eagle strike tactical fighter jets, which can deliver American B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs. The U.S. may also send A-10 Warthog close support aircraft and C-5 Galaxy transport planes.
The United States and Hungary agreed back in July 2021 that American forces could use the Kecskemét and Pápa air bases, with yet another agreement in December 2021 designating Tata and Várpalota Garrison and Training Areas “as agreed facilities and areas” under the Defense Cooperation Agreement made by the two countries in 2019 and enabling U.S. forces to “access and utilize these bases in cooperation with the Hungarian Defense Force.”
At a summit last March, new troops were approved to be stationed in Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia, and this past July, NATO emphasized its commitment to strengthening its eastern front.
“Allies have enhanced NATO’s forward presence by establishing multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. They have also sent more ships, planes and troops to NATO’s eastern flank, from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south,” its website reads.
New NATO members Sweden and Finland are also key to helping in these efforts.
There are some 100,000 American service members stationed in Europe, including the 20,000 sent in the wake of Russia’s invasion, and some 40,000 NATO troops primarily serving to help secure the alliance’s eastern front.
President of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service Bruno Kahl warned just yesterday of a direct military threat by Russia in a hearing of the Parliamentary Control Committee of the German parliament, the Bundestag, and that Putin could strike NATO within the next few years.
Hungarian Minister of Defense Szalay-Bobrovniczky, as well as the Hungarian government overall, have repeatedly said that strengthening Europe’s military and defense capabilities is a priority of Hungary’s EU presidency.
This past weekend, the minister took to X to congratulate new military recruits. “Nearly 1,200 reservists took the oath today in the most successful four-month recruitment campaign. Thank you for your courage and dedication!” he said. Military service in Hungary is purely voluntary, although other countries have reinstated a draft or are discussing doing so.
Hungary has been a long-standing member of NATO since 1999.
The decision to upgrade Kecskemét air base is part of a broader strategy to enhance NATO's forward presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in light of Russia's aggressive posture. The presence of advanced U.S. aircraft, capable of delivering nuclear capabilities, underscores the seriousness of NATO's commitment to deterrence in the region. Hungary, having signed multiple agreements with the U.S. since 2021, is actively participating in the defense cooperation framework aimed at addressing security concerns in Eastern Europe. The ongoing recruitment of military personnel and the government's prioritization of defense readiness indicate Hungary's proactive stance in strengthening its military capabilities within the context of NATO's collective defense initiatives. This upgrade not only enhances Hungary's military infrastructure but also reinforces the solidarity and preparedness of NATO allies in the face of potential threats.