Strange: Hungary’s defence ministry contradicts itself over tanks handed to Serbia

In a puzzling turn of events, Hungary’s Defence Ministry has publicly contradicted itself regarding the issue of armoured vehicles allegedly transferred to Serbia.

According to 444.hu, Ákos Hadházy, a non-affiliated Hungarian MP known for his probing questions, directly asked the ministry whether Hungary had sold or gifted tanks to Serbia. The ministry’s initial response was unequivocal:

Hungarian BTR armoured vehicles to Serbia — Photo: FB/Hungarian Defence Forces

But here’s the twist—this answer raised eyebrows, as Serbian media had already reported on the tank purchase some time before. Sensing a discrepancy, hvg.hu pressed the ministry for clarification. Their follow-up response offered a different perspective:

“As we have previously informed the public, due to the large-scale military modernisation carried out over the past decade, the Hungarian Defence Forces are selling off equipment that has become surplus. That was also the case in this instance.”

When hvg.hu asked why the ministry’s statements were contradictory, they received no further explanation. Crucially, the ministry refused to disclose the exact number of armoured vehicles transferred or sold to Serbia. Hungarian media speculate the number is between 26 and 66, while Serbian outlets confidently report the higher figure.

Hungary supports economic development projects in Serbia

Corporate investments in Serbia, supported by the Hungarian state, were inaugurated on Monday.

Levente Magyar, a State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, highlighted the success of a Hungarian government programme aimed at supporting economic development in Vojvodina—a region in northern Serbia with a large ethnic Hungarian population—during the inauguration of an investment by the carpentry and furniture company EM Commerce. He stated that the company’s showroom in Bačka Topola could hold its own anywhere in Europe.

Magyar noted that EM Commerce has invested approximately HUF 4 billion into its business over the past 7–8 years and has become a significant regional player. He added that the Hungarian government’s economic development programme has supported investments worth several hundred billion forints in Vojvodina over the past 8–9 years.

Magyar also attended the inauguration of a HUF 5.5 billion logistics base by DLC in Belgrade, which received HUF 3.3 billion in support from the Hungarian state.

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