Hungary’s military has expanded with the addition of Special Operations Craft–Riverine (SOC-R) boats, officially handed over in Budapest on Wednesday. Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky described the acquisition as the arrival of a long-awaited capability, strengthening the Hungarian Defence Forces on land, water, and in the air.
The minister said a quiet revolution is underway within the armed forces, as the military undergoes sweeping transformation and becomes increasingly well-equipped and highly trained. As part of this modernization, every category of equipment is being replaced with modern, NATO-compatible technology that integrates advanced digital and high-tech capabilities. Recent years have seen the introduction of new helicopters, air defence systems, Lynx infantry vehicles, artillery, and tanks, alongside ongoing recruitment and specialized training programmes.
‘These vessels represent a new piece in the mosaic of our capability development,’ Szalay-Bobrovniczky declared. He emphasized that the boats arrived through cooperation with the United States, whose forces also train alongside Hungarian special operations troops. The minister praised the craft as among the best in their class and highlighted the strength of US–Hungarian defence relations.
Hungary is also committed to meeting NATO obligations, with 2026 marking the fourth consecutive year its defence spending will exceed 2 per cent of GDP. Szalay-Bobrovniczky stressed that the country takes pride in fulfilling this target.
Lieutenant General Ferenc Kajári, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, underlined the strategic importance of river operations for a country rich in waterways. He noted that the SOC-R vessels not only enhance combat readiness but also symbolize both the strength of the transatlantic alliance and the determination to equip Hungarian forces with effective, modern tools on land, in the air, and at sea.
According to Kajári, the SOC-R boats are capable of transporting and extracting special operations teams in riverine environments, even under fire. They can also provide direct fire support, conduct reconnaissance and intelligence missions, deliver supplies and medical aid, and evacuate the wounded.
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