Hungarian forces join NATO mission in Baltics

Nick Pongratz

A Hungarian contingent of four Gripen fighters and over 100 troops will be based in Siauliai, Lithuania, and serve in the Baltic air space for four months on a mission that begins on September 24, Hungarian news agency MTI reported. The contingent was seen at the military air base outside Kecskemét.

Gripens of the Hungarian Air Force are being prepared for an air show in Kecskemét in 2010. (Photo: Moni Lazar)

Csaba Hende, the Hungarian Defense Minister, addressed the farewell ceremony saying that as a NATO member, Hungary is committed to developing its military capabilities so that it can contribute to the organizationʼs common defense.



According to the Hungarian government, it is "highly important to fulfill obligations under Articles 4 and 5 of the Washington Treaty in times of the revival of great power policies triggered by the Ukrainian crisis."Referring to international tension caused by the Ukrainian crisis, the minister noted, "the Baltic air space has become the most problematic in Europe and perhaps within NATO as a whole."