Hungary’s missile defence system purchase timely after over 40 years, says minister

As Hungary’s current missile defence system is over 40 years old, it is time to replace it, Defence Minister Tibor Benkő said referring to a declaration of intent he had signed with US Ambassador in Hungary David Cornstein last week to buy advanced missile system components from the United States.

The missiles will be purchased at first and talks are under way on the acquisition of launchers and locators, Benkő told public Kossuth Radio.

Hungary is not alone in seeing the need to buy arms, he said.

The purchase is also supported by NATO but the decision was first of all motivated by national interests, he said.

As we said before, Hungary to buy USD 1 billion anti-aircraft system dubbed National Advance Surface-to-Air System from the United States.