| Hungarian Ground Forces | |
|---|---|
| Magyar Szárazföldi Haderő | |
 | |
| Country |  Hungary |
| Allegiance | Hungarian Defence Forces |
| Branch | Ground Forces |
| Size | 31,900 active duty personnel |
| Part of | Hungarian Defence Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Székesfehérvár |
| Colors | Red, White and Green |
| Anniversaries | 29 September |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Brig. Gen.Gábor Lőrincz[1] |
TheHungarian Ground Forces (Hungarian:Magyar Szárazföldi Haderő,Hungarian pronunciation:[ˈmɒɟɒrˈsaːrɒzføldiˈhɒdɛrøː]) constitute the land branch of theHungarian Defence Forces, responsible for ground activities and troops, includingartillery, tanks,Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs),Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), andground support. The ground forces have a history of servicein Iraq and are currently engaged in theKFOR (Kosovo Force) operation.
The predecessors of the Hungarian ground forces include theRoyal Hungarian Landwehr, theRoyal Hungarian Army, and the ground force components of theHungarian People's Army. During theCold War, Hungary was aligned with theSoviet Union and was a member of theWarsaw Pact. However, following thefall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Hungary significantly reduced the number of tanks and troops and closed several garrisons. The Hungarian Army now focuses on national security, peacekeeping, and international conflicts. Notably, Hungary became a member ofNATO in 1999.
In 1963, the Ground Forces of Hungary comprised the5th Army, established in 1961 atSzékesfehérvár. This formation included the 7th Motor Rifle Division inKiskunfélegyháza, the 8th Motor Rifle Division inZalaegerszeg, the 9th Motor Rifle Division inKaposvár, and the 11th Tank Division inTata. Additionally, the34th Special Reconnaissance Battalion in Székesfehérvár operated as a sub-unit of the 5th Army. Another significant combat formation was the 3rd Army Corps inCegléd, which comprised the 4th Motor Rifle Division inGyöngyös and the 15th Motor Rifle Division inNyíregyháza.[2]
According to Michael Holm, the 3rd Army Corps stationed at Cegléd, designated asMilitary Unit Number 6639, was established on 1 November 1966. It maintained the same organizational structure in 1970 and 1980. However, by 1988, it underwent restructuring, now comprising four mechanized infantry brigades, one tank brigade, one artillery brigade, and three artillery regiments (AA Missile, Anti-Aircraft Artillery, and Anti-Tank Artillery), alongside other smaller units.[3]
Following the dissolution of theWarsaw Pact in 1991, both the 5th Army and the 3rd Mechanized Corps were disbanded. The Hungarian Defense Forces inherited the assets and personnel of the Hungarian People's Army. However, owing to the altered geopolitical landscape and economic constraints, the Army underwent substantial force reduction and asset adjustments.[4]
After Hungary's accession to NATO, the procurement of newer and more modern multi-purpose equipment began. This included various vehicles, communication equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the modernization of existing assets such as radar locators and anti-aircraft missile complexes.[5] However, the lack of resources in the armed forces limited significant improvements until the mid-2010s.
In 2021, the Hungarian Ground Forces completed their mission inAfghanistan and announced the conclusion of evacuations on August 26, 2021. Airlift operations successfully evacuated 540 people, including Hungarian citizens, Afghans, and their families who had previously worked for Hungarian forces.[6] Before the withdrawal, the number of Hungarian troops present in Afghanistan had already been reduced to ten.[7]
As of January 2025, the primary formations of the Hungarian Ground Forces are:
