The handover ceremony, held in Tata, saw the Minister emphasize that the arrival of these state-of-the-art tanks, tailored to Hungary’s specific needs, heralds a new era. “This is not the end of a project but the beginning of extensive work ahead,” said Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
He recalled the arrival of twelve Leopard 2A4HU type tanks in 2020, which allowed Hungarian tank crews to familiarize themselves with advanced German armored technology. The Leopard 2A7HU tanks are noted for being more modern even than those used by the German army.
Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted that a total of 44 Leopard tanks, along with five Wisent 2HU armored recovery vehicles and three Leguan 2HU bridge-launching combat vehicles, will be delivered to Hungary by 2028. This fleet will significantly bolster the nation’s armored capabilities.
“Increasing threats in our environment necessitate a prepared, well-trained, and well-equipped Hungarian army. Ensuring the safety of the Hungarian people remains our utmost priority,” the Minister emphasized.
Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW-Nexter Defence Systems, expressed honor in providing the most modern tanks to Hungary, a nation renowned for its cavalry and hussar traditions. “The Leopard 2 family is the backbone of deterrence and the tank of European armies in the 21st century,” Ketzel added.
The event was also attended by Colonel-General Gábor Böröndi, Chief of the Honvéd General Staff, where the symbolic keys of the Leopard 2A7HU, Wisent 2HU, and Leguan 2HU combat vehicles were ceremonially handed over.
