The rotorcraft from the Szolnok Helicopter Brigade have held a capability maintenance shooting exercise at the Kőrös Hill training and firing range in Bakony, Western Hungary, in the Bakony Mountains, during which they conducted the first live firing with the H225M of the Hungarian Defense Forces.

The Minister of National Defence, Kristóf Szalay-Brobrovniczky said “The first live-fire test of the H225M type represents a milestone in increasing the operational capabilities of the domestic helicopter force, and further expands the possibility of supporting the ground forces and special operations. All this is important not only for the Hungarian Air Force, but also has great significance in the application of NATO procedures”

The MH József Kiss 86th Helicopter Brigade organizes capability maintenance shooting several times a year, which is crucial in practicing combat procedures with helicopters and ensures the readiness of the personnel, the effective use of weapon systems and the fast, precise response in combat situations. The goal is to develop the knowledge of the aircrew personnel, with particular attention to air-ground communication and the procedures used during close air support.

In addition to the H225M, the H145M light, multi-role and Mi-24 combat helicopters also participated in the training session. Equipped with the HForce weapons package developed for the Hungarian Air Force, the H225M helicopter conducted air-to-ground live fire with a 20 mm cannon and a MAG58 on-board machine gun during the day and in the evening they will conducted target reconnaissance and target designation supported by night vision devices (NVG).

The Minister of Defense emphasized that the Hungarian Defense Forces are continuously developing their capabilities by modernizing military equipment and providing high-quality training to soldiers. Such training sessions guarantee that the Hungarian Defense Forces' air force is ready to defend the nation and fulfill its federal obligations in all situations, said Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.