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A recent article in Magyar Nemzet refuted claims by The Telegraph that the United States could turn Hungary’s Kecskemét (central Hungary) airbase into a forward stand, possibly deploying nuclear-armed F-15 fighter-bombers there.
The Ministry of Defense categorically denied the allegations, reinforcing that the government has no plans to allow nuclear weapons on Hungarian soil.
The British newspaper, as cited by Magyar Nemzet, suggested that the US might upgrade Kecskemét airbase as part of the European Defense Initiative, potentially using it to station F-15, A-10, and C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The report further claimed that F-15s could carry B61-12 nuclear bombs, currently stored at RAF’s Lakenheath Airbase in the UK.
These bombs have an adjustable yield of up to 50 kilotons, roughly three times the destructive power of the Hiroshima bomb.
In response, the Ministry of Defense stressed that the US had not requested permission to store nuclear weapons in Hungary, and such actions would require consent from the Hungarian government and Parliament. They emphasized that no such consent had been given, nor were there plans for it in the future.
Despite the denial, US-Hungary military cooperation remains robust. The Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed in 2019, regulates this partnership, aligning with Hungary’s NATO obligations.
The agreement includes a commitment to allocate 2% of GDP to defense spending, enhance military readiness, and facilitate joint exercises.
In line with these agreements, Kecskemét could see new aircraft deployments. F-15s and other US aircraft have used the base for training, but none on a permanent basis. Potential procurement contracts include infrastructure upgrades to accommodate these planes, signaling efforts to strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank in response to perceived Russian threats.
While the alleged nuclear deployment has been firmly denied, Hungary continues to play a strategic role in NATO’s defense framework, contributing to regional security through military cooperation with the United States and ongoing infrastructure development at the Kecskemét airbase.
Via Magyar Nemzet; Featured Image: Pixabay