Hungary’s armed forces have launched the Adaptive Hussars military exercise between 4–15 May, in coordination with a major NATO drill, the Hungarian Defence Forces announced.
This year’s exercise differs from previous large-scale operations, as it will be conducted without significant troop movements. Instead, the focus is on command-level training and system-wide crisis management.
According to Chief of the Defence Staff General Gábor Böröndi, the Adaptive Hussars programme has evolved since its launch in 2023 from a traditional military drill into a comprehensive national and systemic crisis management model aligned with NATO defence plans.
He emphasized that processing lessons learned is just as important as the exercise itself. This year’s primary objective is to integrate the knowledge gained during last year’s large-scale training, described as the most extensive since the political transition into military planning, command, and control systems.
Under the current structure, the exercise alternates between years involving field troop movements and years focused on staff training. In 2026, personnel are participating in largely ‘invisible’ operations, using computer-assisted command simulations conducted in secure environments.
These simulations are designed to test Hungary’s full defence command and control system while refining national defence mechanisms based on previous experience.
The Adaptive Hussars series aims to assess and enhance the preparedness and operational capabilities of the Hungarian military in a joint, multi-domain framework consistent with NATO defence strategies.
This year’s exercise is being conducted in parallel with NATO’s ‘Steadfast Deterrence 26’ exercise, aligning objectives and processes across the Euro-Atlantic region. Hungarian participation demonstrates the country’s commitment not only to national defence but also to collective security within the alliance.
Officials noted that the 2025 iteration of Adaptive Hussars was the largest and most complex military exercise in Hungary in decades. It included a full-scale national defence simulation involving civilian decision-makers, nearly all military units, and the presence of NATO capabilities on Hungarian territory.
According to Böröndi, last year’s exercise confirmed that recent defence procurements, training systems, and command structures are effectively aligned and delivering measurable results. Feedback also highlighted improvements in unit cohesion, adaptability, and the performance of the reserve system.
While a solid foundation has been established, he added, continuous development remains essential—making this year’s focus on refinement and integration a key step forward.
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