Thailand, Hungary Deepen Defense Cooperation via Gripen and NATO Systems
Thai Deputy Defense Minister General Sanan Petchanan met with Hungarian Ambassador Szilvia Szalóki and incoming defense attaché Lt. Col. Dr. Viktor Erdész to strengthen bilateral military cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration through the Gripen fighter jet program, defense industry partnerships, and adopting NATO codification standards to integrate Thailand into global defense supply chains. The meeting marks 53 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Hungary.
On November 5, 2026, at the Ministry of Defense, Deputy Defense Minister General Sanan Petchanan welcomed Hungarian Ambassador to Thailand Szilvia Szalóki, accompanied by outgoing Hungarian defense attaché Colonel László Pallos, previously stationed in Hanoi, Vietnam, and incoming defense attaché Lt. Col. Dr. Viktor Erdész, previously based in New Delhi, India, for a courtesy call, farewell, and introduction.
General Sanan thanked Colonel Pallos for his service and support of bilateral military cooperation, welcomed Lt. Col. Dr. Erdész, and expressed hope to further advance defense collaboration between the two nations.
Thailand and Hungary have maintained diplomatic relations for many years, marking 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties on October 24, 2026. Hungary is considered one of Thailand's key partners in the European Union, with both sides committed to promoting and expanding cooperation across various fields, including security and defense.
Regarding military cooperation, both countries have opportunities to expand collaboration through the Gripen fighter jet user framework, particularly in exchanging operational flight experience, training, and maintenance support, as well as promoting defense industry cooperation. Additionally, Thailand is interested in exchanging experience with Hungary on the NATO Codification System (NCS) to develop Thailand's own system and increase opportunities to connect with global defense supply chains.
This meeting represents an important opportunity to exchange views and promote defense cooperation between Thailand and Hungary, while supporting coordination between representatives of both countries to advance cooperation into concrete outcomes.
