US–Hungarian relations have entered a new era, a shift demonstrated not only by diplomatic statements but also by tangible, strategically significant defence-industry cooperation. In recent days, Hungary’s 4iG Space and Defence Technologies (4iG SDT) has signed preliminary agreements with two leading US defence companies, both aimed at the domestic development and industrial preparation of NATO-compatible defence capabilities.
4iG SDT and one of the world’s largest defence technology companies, Northrop Grumman Corporation, have signed a preliminary cooperation agreement establishing a structured framework for identifying joint projects and industrial initiatives. The areas under consideration include counter-drone capabilities, advanced weapons systems, and cutting-edge defence and space technologies. In the official statement, CEO of 4iG SDT István Sárhegyi emphasized that the advanced weapons systems developed by Northrop Grumman—such as GPS-guided precision munitions and highly manoeuvrable, high-accuracy projectiles—represent some of the most sophisticated tools of modern warfare.
The agreement goes beyond technological cooperation, outlining how Hungarian industrial capacities and Northrop Grumman’s expertise could be combined in the development of NATO-compatible systems, potentially integrating manufacturing activities in Hungary for European markets.
This was followed by another announcement from 4iG SDT, stating that it had also signed a preliminary agreement with the missile and artillery division of Lockheed Martin Global, Inc. The cooperation focuses on assessing the integration and industrial preparation of long-range rocket artillery systems of the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) type in Hungary.
In addition, the parties plan to establish a joint expert working group to identify and develop new defence-industry projects. This step aims to strengthen long-range fire-support capabilities compatible with NATO allies, while also opening opportunities for the development of new, high value-added domestic research and manufacturing capacities.
As previously reported, the November meeting between Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán in Washington also opened a new chapter in defence cooperation. Earlier political barriers that had limited Hungary’s access to the most advanced US military technologies have been lifted, enabling Hungary to purchase American weapons worth potentially several hundred million dollars through government-to-government procurement channels in the coming years. During the Washington talks, Hungarian decision-makers first raised the possibility of acquiring HIMARS systems—a procurement process that now appears to be underway.
Both cooperation agreements represent a milestone for Hungary’s defence industry from both a business and strategic perspective. Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin stand at the forefront of US defence-technology innovation, and through these partnerships Hungary moves closer to these cutting-edge capabilities not only in security policy terms, but also industrially, technologically, and economically. These developments also signal that transatlantic relations are strengthening not merely at the rhetorical level, but through concrete, joint defence projects and integration efforts that deliver tangible results.
The emerging US–Hungarian defence-industry cooperation elevates relations between Budapest and Washington to a new level. The agreements serve not only to modernize Hungary’s defence capabilities, but also to strengthen the country’s long-term role within NATO’s technological ecosystem, while creating industrial and innovation opportunities for Hungary’s defence economy.
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