Pápa Airport in Hungary Hosts Major International Helicopter Tactical Exercise.

On September 30, 2024, a major international helicopter tactical exercise began at Pápa Airport in Hungary, involving the participation of five countries and thirteen aircraft. Organized by the Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC), this event marks the fourth edition of the exercise held in Hungary, emphasizing the growing importance of international cooperation in military training. Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced the start of the exercise, highlighting its key role in strengthening the capacities of the participating air forces.
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Hungary is participating in the event with two helicopters: an H145M and an H225M from the Hungarian Armed Forces (Picture source: Hungarian MoD)

Hungary is participating in the event with two helicopters: an H145M and an H225M from the Hungarian Armed Forces (Magyar Honvédség). These aircraft will be involved in a series of specialized tactical missions alongside air forces from Germany, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In addition to helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft will also participate in maneuvers aimed at improving combat and crew integration capabilities in an international environment. The air operations will primarily take place in the regions of Veszprém and Somogy, with particular attention to the areas around Pápa and Siófok, two strategic locations for military flights during this exercise.

The H145M, produced by Airbus Helicopters, was acquired by the Hungarian Armed Forces as part of a modernization program to enhance its light and versatile helicopter capabilities. Hungary signed a contract in 2018 for the purchase of 20 H145M helicopters, which began delivery in 2019. These aircraft quickly entered service after their delivery and have been integrated into military aviation units for transport, medical evacuation, and tactical support missions.

The H145M is equipped with the HForce modular weapon system, enabling it to carry out armed missions. It features excellent maneuverability and can transport up to nine soldiers or 1,600 kg of payload. With a range of approximately 600 km and a top speed of 250 km/h, it is well-suited for reconnaissance, rescue, or combat support missions, with the option to be armed with machine guns, rockets, and guided missiles.

The H225M, also produced by Airbus Helicopters, is a heavy transport helicopter acquired by Hungary to improve its tactical transport and special operations capabilities. Hungary placed an order for 16 units in 2018 as part of its military aviation enhancement program. The first deliveries took place in 2023, with the helicopters entering service quickly to support strategic transport missions.

Capable of carrying up to 28 soldiers or 5,500 kg of equipment, the H225M is highly valued for its versatility and ability to operate in challenging environments. It has a range of 1,250 km and can reach a top speed of 285 km/h. The helicopter is used for transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue missions, with optional armament configurations for combat support operations.

The primary goal of this exercise is to increase the skills of helicopter tactics instructors, allowing them to operate in a multinational environment and improve the integration of capabilities among the armed forces of European Union member states (Picture source: Hungarian MoD)

Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky reminded that the tactical training of Hungarian helicopter crews is largely based on programs from the European Defence Agency (EDA). Hungary joined the Helicopter Exercise Program in 2012 and integrated the Helicopter Tactics Instructors Course (HTIC) in 2020. These initiatives aim to improve pilot and tactical crew capabilities to enhance cooperation and integration between European air forces.

The primary goal of this exercise is to increase the skills of helicopter tactics instructors, allowing them to operate in a multinational environment and improve the integration of capabilities among the armed forces of European Union member states. The training of these instructors is essential for strengthening cohesion and synergy between the armed forces of different countries, ensuring a better response to contemporary military needs in the context of collective defense.

This three-week exercise allows participants to test and improve their capabilities in realistic and demanding conditions, while promoting the exchange of best practices and strengthening ties between partner nations. The flights and maneuvers will take place throughout this period, incorporating elements of aerial tactics and joint operations.

This type of exercise, organized by the Multinational Helicopter Training Centre, highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in strengthening European military capabilities. By enhancing the integration of forces and training instructors capable of teaching tactical skills in a multinational setting, these trainings contribute to strengthening the collective security of European Union member states.