“The Hungarian Defence Forces are taking part in major operations involving a great deal of responsibility also at present both within and beyond our borders, but even amidst circumstances such as these, it is extremely important to develop cooperation with our NATO allies”, Defence Minister Dr István Simicskó stressed on the open-press day of the international military training exercise called Panther Strike 2016 held at the Pápa air base of the Hungarian Defence Forces on Wednesday, 27 July.

Ambassador of the United States to Hungary Colleen Bell, who viewed some elements of the training exercise, took the view that there had not been a multinational, complex military air training exercise on such a scale in Hungary ever since the joint operations in the Balkans. “The success of this training mission demonstrates our unique capability to work together and to employ our militaries as one force even as they are based in geographically separated airfields around the region”, Colleen Bell said.

Download

Mr Simicskó highlighted: without training and practice, not a single defence force in the world would be able to guarantee the security of citizens. “Each joint military exercise or jointly implemented training exercise reinforces NATO, and Hungary is committed to this process. Hungary is a reliable ally; our goal is to be given the opportunity to take part in as many similar joint training exercises as possible”, the Defence Minister underlined, adding: the Pápa Air Base of the Hungarian Defence Forces has undergone a major infrastructure development in recent years.

From among the US, Slovenian, Slovak and Hungarian aircraft participating in Panther Strike 2016, representatives of the press were able to view F-16s and C-17 cargo aircraft mid-air, while A-10 combat aircraft, Gripen fighters and PC-9M advanced military training aircraft were showcased as part of a static display.

Download

The principal purpose of the joint military air training is, among others, to practise close air support (CAS) to be provided for land troops, aerial refueling, joint tactical air controlling (JTAC) and air-to-air military operations implemented in a multinational environment.

(Ministry of Defence)