Defense Talks in Washington Signal Closer U.S.– Hungary Military Cooperation

High-level defense talks between Hungary and the United States have opened the door to deeper strategic and military ties, as Colonel General Gábor Böröndi, Chief of the General Staff of the Hungarian Defense Forces, met with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, in Washington on October 20.

According to Böröndi, the meeting took place in an “open and constructive atmosphere,” reflecting a new phase in Hungarian-American relations. Discussions focused on joint training, evolving security challenges in Europe and the Balkans, and possible Hungarian contributions to future stabilization efforts in Gaza.

Böröndi emphasized that the recent Budapest Peace Summit — which placed Hungary in the global diplomatic spotlight — helped strengthen the country’s position as a serious security actor. “The meeting confirmed that Hungary is now on the world map — and on the U.S. map — as a partner in dialogue and peace,” he said.

Both sides reportedly agreed on the need to deepen cooperation in critical defense domains such as drone and cyber defense, operational planning, and artificial intelligence applications. The Hungarian general also briefed his American counterpart on Hungary’s ongoing defense transformation, which prioritizes soldier training, modernization of military equipment, and higher discipline standards across the armed forces.

The talks also highlighted the importance of Adaptive Hussars 2025, a recent joint military exercise in Hungary that involved U.S. troops. Böröndi noted that the experience gained from such operations provides a solid foundation for future joint initiatives.

While in Washington, Böröndi also met with senior leadership at the U.S. National Defense University, the American Army’s premier institution for strategic education. The two sides discussed global security challenges and U.S. strategic doctrine. Two Hungarian officers are currently enrolled at the university — a place where Böröndi himself studied earlier in his career.

The visit underscores Hungary’s ambition to solidify its role as a reliable NATO ally and an active partner in transatlantic defense cooperation amid shifting global security dynamics.