As part of Hungary’s traditional Saint Stephen’s Day celebrations, the Hungarian Defense Forces are once again offering a series of uplifting, spectacular, and unforgettable programs across Budapest. Events will include the commissioning of new officers, an aerial parade, military demonstrations, and concerts by military bands, writes honvédelem.hu.
Festivities begin on the morning of August 20 at 8 a.m. with the ceremonial commissioning of new military officers. Held in front of the Hungarian Parliament on Kossuth Square, the event will be attended by the President of the Republic, the Minister of Defense, and the Chief of the Defense Staff. Graduates of the National University of Public Service will take their oaths and be officially commissioned as officers, pledging their allegiance to the Hungarian nation.
The ceremony will be highlighted by a dramatic flyover by three JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets trailing red, white, and green smoke in the colors of the national flag.
Immediately following the ceremony, from 9 a.m., the Hungarian Defense Forces will present a dynamic aerial display over the Danube River in front of the Parliament. The show will feature both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, including H145M, H225M, Mi-17, and Mi-24 helicopters; JAS-39 Gripen fighters; and Airbus A319, Dassault Falcon F7X, and Embraer KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft. These precision maneuvers require close coordination between flight crews and ground control teams.
On August 19 and 20, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., City Park’s Károly Kós Promenade will host large-scale static and live military demonstrations. Visitors can explore weapons technology exhibitions, interactive activities, and recruitment booths. Highlights include explosive ordnance disposal demonstrations with canine units, military hand-to-hand combat displays, and ceremonial drills. Various branches of the Hungarian Defense Forces will showcase their most advanced equipment, such as the Leopard 2A7HU battle tank, the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, the NASAMS air defense launcher, a full-scale replica of a Gripen fighter jet, and a range of specialized military vehicles and gear.
From August 16 to 20, Hungarian and international military bands will perform open-air gigs at multiple locations, including Gellért Hill, City Park, Heroes’ Square, and Kossuth Square. The main celebratory concert will take place on August 20, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Kossuth Square.
Via honvédelem.hu; Featured image: honvédelem.hu
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