Rank #46 · Europe
Hungary has more than doubled its defense spending since 2019 under Prime Minister Orbán's Zrínyi 2026 modernization program, finally meeting NATO's 2% GDP threshold in 2024. The program has delivered Leopard 2A7+ tanks, Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles (being manufactured domestically through Rheinmetall), PzH 2000 howitzers, and H145M/H225M helicopter fleets, transforming what was a badly under-equipped NATO member into a moderately capable land force.
Hungary's defense budget grew from $1.9B (2019, 1.2% GDP) to $4.73B (2024, 2.14% GDP) — a 149% nominal increase over five years. The Zrínyi 2026 program, extended through 2030-2032, drives this trajectory with multi-billion-euro procurement commitments. The Rheinmetall joint venture for Lynx KF41 IFV production in Hungary represents a significant industrial investment, with deliveries beginning in 2024. Orbán's government has also committed to further increases toward 3% of GDP by the late 2020s, though this target is aspirational given fiscal constraints. Hungary finances much of its procurement through defense-specific bonds and EU development funds.
The Hungarian Defence Forces number approximately 41,600 active personnel and 20,000 reserves. The Air Force leases 14 JAS-39 Gripen fighters (extended lease through mid-2020s), supplemented by H145M (20 delivered by end-2021) and H225M (16 expected 2023-2024) helicopter fleets and 2 KC-390 tankers. Ground forces are in transformation: 44 Leopard 2A7+ MBTs (delivered 2021-2025), 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and over 200 Lynx KF41 IFVs entering service from 2024. Air defense is covered by NASAMS surface-to-air systems with Mistral M3 missiles. Hungary contributes to NATO's enhanced Forward Presence in the eastern flank.
The Rheinmetall Hungary joint venture for Lynx KF41 IFV production is Hungary's landmark defense-industrial investment. The facility in Zalaegerszeg began producing IFVs in 2024 for the Hungarian Defence Forces, with ambitions for export. Hungary also domestically manufactures CZ BREN 2 assault rifles under license. Airbus Helicopters has a maintenance presence linked to H145M/H225M contracts. However, Hungary lacks a significant domestic prime defense industrial base; it remains heavily import-dependent for major platforms from Germany, Sweden, and the US. Orbán's government sees the Rheinmetall venture as a model for future industrial partnerships.
Hungary shares a border with Ukraine (war since February 2022) and has taken an idiosyncratic position within NATO — blocking several EU military aid packages to Ukraine and maintaining close economic ties with Russia, including the Paks II nuclear plant project with Rosatom. Orbán has called for negotiations rather than military escalation, creating significant friction with other NATO allies. Hungary has not contributed to bilateral weapons donations to Ukraine. The war's proximity nonetheless accelerated Zrínyi modernization spending. Hungary's eastern border is an EU/NATO external frontier with Serbia, creating migration and organized crime pressure.
Hungary crossed the NATO 2% GDP defense spending threshold in 2024 for the first time, a milestone after years of pressure from allies. Lynx KF41 IFV production at Rheinmetall Hungary's Zalaegerszeg plant commenced deliveries in 2024. KC-390 transport aircraft entered service, adding a medium-airlift capability absent since the Soviet era. Hungary blocked multiple NATO consensus statements on Ukraine throughout 2024-2025, citing opposition to escalation — straining relations with Poland and the Baltic states. The Gripen lease is expected to be succeeded by a new fighter selection; Sweden and the US are competing for the contract in discussions underway in 2025.
Yes — Hungary met the 2% of GDP threshold in 2024 ($4.73B, 2.14% of GDP), the first time it has done so. The Orbán government has committed to further increases toward 3% by the late 2020s, driven by the Zrínyi modernization program extended to 2030-2032.
Zrínyi 2026 is Hungary's defense modernization initiative, named after 17th-century military commander Miklós Zrínyi. Launched under PM Orbán, it has funded Leopard 2A7+ tanks, PzH 2000 howitzers, 200+ Lynx KF41 IFVs (produced in Hungary), H145M/H225M helicopters, NASAMS air defense, and KC-390 transports. The program has been extended through 2030-2032.
Hungary under Orbán has been the most dissenting NATO/EU member on Ukraine policy — blocking EU military aid packages, maintaining Russian gas imports (Paks II nuclear deal with Rosatom), and calling for ceasefire negotiations rather than military support. Hungary has not donated weapons bilaterally to Ukraine, unlike all other EU member states.
Hungary leases 14 JAS-39 Gripen fighters from Sweden. A replacement selection is underway for the 2026+ timeframe; candidates include the F-35 (US) and potentially upgraded Gripens. The decision will be influenced by Hungary's NATO relationships and budget.