The development of the Hungarian Special Operations Forces between 2003 and 2009

Abstract

Hungarian Special Operations Forces have the potential to enhance the security of Hungary. Seven years have passed from 2002, when the survey of the Cubic advisory team first recommended creating the Hungarian Special Operations Forces, until 2009 when these forces began operating in Afghanistan. In 2003, the Hungarian Ministry of Defense's comprehensive defense review identified special operations forces as a "niche" capability that could add strength to the defense forces and fill critical shortfalls in Peace Support Operations. The Hungarian political leadership endorsed developing a special operations capability package to enhance national security, contribute to the collective security of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union, and fill shortfalls in Peace Support Operations led by these two international organizations. In the last seven years, the Hungarian Defense Forces have created the legal framework for developing and employing their Special Operations Forces, assigned and trained units involved in the capability package, and made progress in establishing a special operations oversight structure and integrating these forces into the Hungarian defense establishment. Mentored by U.S. instructors, the Hungarian Defense Forces have made great progress, but there remains much to do. Most importantly, the political and military leadership should fully exploit capabilities of these forces for the security of Hungary.