The development of an independent, strong defense industry is of paramount importance, the Hungarian defense minister said after visiting the Rheinmetall plant in Germany.Continue reading
“Critics ignore Hungary’s real-world military-industrial buildup and humanitarian aid support provided to Ukraine which, unlike the fuel sanctions against Russia, has actually produced results and ultimately serve to strengthen NATO,” according to American international relations magazine National Interest.
“Europe-based military contractors such as Dynamit Nobel Defense, Colt CZ Group, and Rheinmetall have been attracted to Hungary for its existing industrial base and its need to upgrade its national military arsenal,” Logan C. West writes in an article, adding that “while the current focus is to modernize Hungary’s own forces, the country’s central location on the European continent makes it a prime logistics node for transporting products all around Europe to other NATO partners”.
According to the author, the most prominent example has been Rheinmetall. “The German manufacturer has begun initial production of the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle with full production scheduled to commence in July of this year,” he explains.
The Lynx is predicted to become a favorite of NATO’s forces, potentially replacing the Bradley fighting vehicle, a long-time workhorse for Western militaries.”
“Hungary was the first customer. The Lynx also has the potential to operate remotely without putting a crew in danger, which explains Rheinmetall’s manufacturing plant being built as part of the Zalazone complex in Zalaegerszeg, a testing track as well as a research and development center for self-driving cars,” Logan C. West adds.
He notes that “besides ignoring the facts on the ground, there is clearly a double standard when it comes to judging Hungary versus the rest of Europe”.
Logan C. West concludes that “implementing a policy of conformity and ‘purification’ within NATO will only widen fissures between member states”. “To avoid that, the West must prioritize unity along with tangible accomplishments like Hungary’s growing military industry and support to Ukraine’s exiles while setting aside the virtue-signaling that its detractors espouse,” he stresses.
Featured photo via Facebook/Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristóf