Hungarian troops will arrive to protect Baltic airspace
On 17th August, 2015 the deployment ceremony of Hungarian troops participating in the Baltic Air Policy mission in Lithuania was held at the Kecskemet military Air Base.
From 31th August, 2015 Hungarian contingent consisting of 107 troops and four JAS-37 Gripen will join NATO mission for next fourth months in Lithuanian Air Force Air Base in Siauliai.
Attending in the farewell event the Hungarian Defence Minister Csaba Hende noted this mission as challenging and very important for Hungary fulfilling its NATO obligations. Due to international tension caused by Ukrainian crisis the Baltic airspace is the most problematic in Europe and perhaps in NATO. He wished a success for Hungarian soldiers performing their functions abroad.
Hungary contingent first time will participate in NATO mission since 2004. Mission seeks to assure unanimity and safety of Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Air Base.
US Ambassador Colleen Bell, Latvian Ambassador Imants Liegis, Lithuanian Chargé d'affaires a.i. Vaida Stankeviciene, Swedish diplomats, leaders of the Hungarian Armed Forces also attended in the event.
photos: MTI.
