How can Sweden join NATO? Orbán seals a massive arms and military industry deal

In his annual assessment speech on Saturday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that discussions with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson regarding Sweden’s NATO accession were nearing resolution. With Hungary playing a pivotal role in these deliberations, the terms and potential outcomes have been unveiled, raising the possibility that Hungary may opt not to veto Sweden’s NATO accession.

According to Index, the most significant defence announcement in years is expected soon, coinciding with the conclusion of the debate surrounding Sweden’s potential NATO membership. Relations between the two prime ministers are thriving, marked by an upcoming visit from the Swedish prime minister to Hungary. Unofficial sources suggest that the Swedish embassy in Hungary is already making preparations for his arrival. Additionally, a recent breakthrough in military and defence cooperation between the two governments holds promise for the acquisition of new equipment for the Hungarian Defence Forces.

Strategic visions

Two years ago, in December 2022, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky publicly disclosed that four new Gripen aircraft were set to arrive by 2024, thereby increasing the total number of Gripen aircraft in Hungary to 18. Furthermore, in an English-language podcast titled “The Bold Truth About Hungary,” the Minister of Defence, alongside the State Secretary for International Communications and Relations, disclosed that the Hungarian Defence Forces had embarked on a new phase of military development, drawing extensively from insights gleaned from the Ukrainian conflict. The defence minister emphasised that the primary objective in developing the Defence Forces is to ensure Hungary’s demonstrable strength, encompassing both physical capabilities and resolve. Their aim is to attain the authorised size of the army, set at 37,500 personnel, with plans to double this number in the foreseeable future. It has been 18 years since the arrival of Gripen jets in Hungary, hailed as the most modern and formidable combat aircraft in the region. The acquisition of the JAS-39 C/D Gripen marked a significant leap in force development for the Hungarian Defence Forces following the regime change, symbolising Hungary’s departure from reliance on Eastern technology.

Possible advancements in Hungarian Defence

The prospective aircraft which may end up in Hungary are manufactured by SAAB, renowned for their production of Gripen fighter-bombers. SAAB is currently manufacturing the latest E and F versions, already commissioned by Sweden. These new aircraft boast increased payload capacity and range compared to their predecessors, enabling the carriage of heavier and longer-range weaponry. Additionally, upgrades have been made to the radar and electronic combat systems. As part of the agreement, the Hungarian Defence Forces may gain access to a variety of other weapon systems, including a portable, shoulder-launched weapon, often referred to as a hand-held artillery which is capable of engaging armoured and other land targets. With an investment of approximately 55 million dollars, Hungarian Defence Forces have secured procurement of this equipment scheduled for delivery between 2019 and 2024. Moreover, the Defence Forces are actively enhancing their electronic reconnaissance and combat capabilities. Collaboration with the Swedish defence industry holds the promise of producing a range of cutting-edge equipment, representing a significant advancement for the Hungarian Defence Forces.

UPDATE

PM Kristersson looks forward to discussing Sweden’s NATO membership with Orbán in Budapest

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