Air Force

Hungarian Air and Air Defence Forces

The Hungarian Air Force operates about 230 front line combat aircraft, 120 helicopters, 15 transport and about 30 training aircraft as well as air defence missile systems. Although mostly dated by 1994, an infusion of new and replacement aircraft from the Soviet Union had increased force readiness. There are about 200 front line Soviet aircraft based in Hungary including 120 MiG-29 so the primary focus of the Hungarian air force is to support the Army while relying on Soviet air forces based in Hungary to maintain air superiority.

The document at this link provides a useful history of MiG aircraft in the Hungarian inventory.

MiG-21

Three generations of the ubiquitous MiG-21 are currently present in the Hungarian air force. The oldest remaining in service are the MiG-21PF ‘Fishbed F’. These are called 2^nd generation but are only slightly improved 1^st generation interceptors with a belly mounted gun pod and obsolete missiles. Only one Sqn of these are in service but they should be retired.

The next generation MiG-21s in use are the 12x MiG-21RF Fishbed-H reconnaissance variant and the 45x MiG-21MF Fishbed-J ground attack version, both are also on the books for retirement. It is likely that plans are in place to have the Mig-29s assume the ground attack role while the Su-22 will take over the reconnaissance task; however, this has not yet happened.

Destined to stay in the lineup for some time is the final production, sometimes called 3^rd generation, MiG-21bis or ‘plus’ Fishbed-L. This aircraft has a much more powerful engine, redesigned airframe and avionics resulting in a lighter, stronger and more agile aircraft with a look down radar and wider selection of munitions.

Additionally, about 40 two seat training variants operate in an air combat training squadron, the MiG-21UM Mongol-B has equivalent avionics to the 3^rd generation MiG-21bis. All fighter pilots spend time on this type to learn the basics of air combat no matter which airframe they fly.

MiG-23

Hungary only operates 12x MiG-23MF Flogger-Bs. The variable wing geometry allowes for a very flexible airframe and until the acquisition of the MiG-29, this was the only capable air to air platform which could hold its own against NATO 3^rd generation aircraft. It is decisively outclassed by the newer 4^th generation aircraft so they now work in the ground attack role with the MiG-21bis of 47^th Regt. There are also 2x MiG-23UB Flogger-C training aircraft.

MiG-29

By far the most modern and capable aircraft in the Bulgarian inventory are the MiG-29A. A true multi-roll 4^th generation aircraft able to match NATO air superiority fighters on an equal footing, the Fulcrum is very advanced, highly maneuverable, and quite rugged. Historically Hungary received 22 Fulcrum A plus 6 two seat ‘UB’ trainers, while in Northern Fury and additional 2 have been provided with at least another 18 planned but not yet delivered. The primary task is to introduce modern ground attack capability into the Hungarian air force but they are also able to stand up against American F-16s and Italian Tornados working out of northern Italy.

Su-22

A dedicated ground attack aircraft, the variable geometry Su-22 Fitter employed in the Hungarian air force is the slightly outdated Su-22M-3K, arriving in the early ‘80s. The 15 aircraft are employed in the strike/reconnaissance role, having the ability to conduct high speed low altitude reconnaissance as well as bombing tasks. They were capable of delivering a decent bomb load, easy to maintain, and able to sustain tremendous abuse and survive.

Su-25

Specializing in close air support is the Su-25 Frogfoot. This highly identifiable airframe is the Soviet answer to the American A-10 Warthog, and it is a very agile, rugged and capable bomber. Historically Hungary’s order for 40 Su-25K plus 4 Su-25UBK training variants was canceled in the early ‘90s but in Northern Fury the request was filled and they arrived by 1993.

Some additional locations for more information can be found at these links:

http://archiv.uni-nke.hu/downloads/aarms/docs/Volume7/Issue4/pdf/17mart.pdf

http://www.easternorbat.com/html/hungarian_air_force_eng.html