| Unit Name: | Hungarian Ground Forces |
| Native Name: | Magyar Szárazföldi Haderő |
| Allegiance: | Hungarian Defence Forces |
| Branch: | Ground Forces |
| Size: | 31,900 active duty personnel |
| Command Structure: | Hungarian Defence Forces |
| Garrison: | Székesfehérvár |
| Colors: | Red, White and Green |
| Colours Label: | --> |
| Anniversaries: | 29 September |
| Current Commander: | Brig. Gen. Gábor Lőrincz[1] |
The Hungarian Ground Forces (Hungarian: Magyar Szárazföldi Haderő, in Hungarian pronounced as /ˈmɒɟɒr ˈsaːrɒzføldi ˈhɒdɛrøː/) constitute the land branch of the Hungarian Defence Forces, responsible for ground activities and troops, including artillery, tanks, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), and ground support. The ground forces have a history of service in Iraq and are currently engaged in the KFOR (Kosovo Force) operation.
The predecessors of the Hungarian ground forces include the Royal Hungarian Landwehr, the Royal Hungarian Army, and the ground force components of the Hungarian People's Army. During the Cold War, Hungary was aligned with the Soviet Union and was a member of the Warsaw Pact. However, following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Hungary significantly reduced the number of tanks and troops and closed several garrisons. The Hungarian Army now focuses on national security, peacekeeping, and international conflicts. Notably, Hungary became a member of NATO in 1999.
In 1963, the Ground Forces of Hungary comprised the 5th Army, established in 1961 at Székesfehérvár. This formation included the 7th Motor Rifle Division in Kiskunfélegyháza, the 8th Motor Rifle Division in Zalaegerszeg, the 9th Motor Rifle Division in Kaposvár, and the 11th Tank Division in Tata. Additionally, the 34th Special Reconnaissance Battalion in Székesfehérvár operated as a sub-unit of the 5th Army. Another significant combat formation was the 3rd Army Corps in Cegléd, which comprised the 4th Motor Rifle Division in Gyöngyös and the 15th Motor Rifle Division in Nyíregyháza.[2]
According to Michael Holm, the 3rd Army Corps stationed at Cegléd, designated as Military Unit Number 6639, was established on 1 November 1966. It maintained the same organizational structure in 1970 and 1980. However, by 1988, it underwent restructuring, now comprising four mechanized infantry brigades, one tank brigade, one artillery brigade, and three artillery regiments (AA Missile, Anti-Aircraft Artillery, and Anti-Tank Artillery), alongside other smaller units.[3]
Following the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact in 1991, both the 5th Army and the 3rd Mechanized Corps were disbanded. The Hungarian Defense Forces inherited the assets and personnel of the Hungarian People's Army. However, owing to the altered geopolitical landscape and economic constraints, the Army underwent substantial force reduction and asset adjustments.[4]
After Hungary's accession to NATO, the procurement of newer and more modern multi-purpose equipment began. This included various vehicles, communication equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the modernization of existing assets such as radar locators and anti-aircraft missile complexes.[5] However, the lack of resources in the armed forces limited significant improvements until the mid-2010s.
In 2021, the Hungarian Ground Forces completed their mission in Afghanistan and announced the conclusion of evacuations on August 26, 2021. Airlift operations successfully evacuated 540 people, including Hungarian citizens, Afghans, and their families who had previously worked for Hungarian forces.[6] Before the withdrawal, the number of Hungarian troops present in Afghanistan had already been reduced to ten.[7]
See main article: Structure of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
As of 2020, the main combat formations of the HDF Land Command are as follows:
See main article: List of equipment of the Hungarian Ground Forces.
See main article: Military ranks of Hungary.
