The 11th rotation of the augmented Hungarian KFOR (Kosovo Force) Contingent has reached full operational capability (FOC). On August 23, the Hungarian peacekeepers demonstrated, on a validation exercise, their readiness for executing peacekeeping tasks to an international committee.

The 11th rotation of the augmented Hungarian KFOR (Kosovo Force) Contingent has reached full operational capability (FOC). On August 23, the Hungarian peacekeepers demonstrated, on a validation exercise, their readiness for executing peacekeeping tasks to an international committee.

The Hungarian peacekeepers –  who are deployed in Pristina and Novo Selo – have completed an intensive training phase which included Crowd Riot Control (CRC) tasks, patrolling, manning checkpoints and setting up observation posts. Based on their performance during the Saturday exercise, an international committee of experts assessed the Hungarian soldiers as being capable of deploying in real-life situations. All contingents arriving in the mission area are to undergo this validation process, after which they are can start their mission.

Acting on a request from NATO and the Kosovo Force (KFOR), the Hungarian Defence Forces have deployed another company to augment their maneuver company which has already been serving in Kosovo. Together with the various command and support elements, they have increased the troop level of the contingent by 120. Thanks to the increase, the strength of the contingent is now over 300, and the soldiers have arrived in Kosovo in the first weeks of August.

Hungarian peacekeepers have been serving in the Western Balkans since 1995. KFOR is the most significant stabilization force of the region. Hungary has been participating in the mission since the beginning, 1999.

((Ministry of Defence))