Hungarian–Chadian Military Cooperation Bolstered Amid a NATO-Led Exercise in Africa

The Hungarian Ministry of Defence recently announced that Hungarian troops will soon join a joint military training exercise with their Chadian counterparts. This engagement is part of a broader NATO-led initiative conducted in partnership with several African nations, with the goal of improving counter-terrorism capabilities and strengthening security cooperation across the continent.

According to the ministry, Hungary’s participation underscores its commitment to addressing the underlying causes of illegal migration—chiefly linked to terrorism—through collaborative security programs in the region. Hungarian forces have already built-up significant experience through their participation in the “Flintlock” exercises, a multinational training event organized since 2005 by the United States Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF) to foster interoperability between NATO allies and their African partners.

Set to start at the end of April in Côte d’Ivoire and extend over a twoweek period, the exercise will see more than 500 troops from over 30 nations taking part. Hungarian personnel will serve in a mentoring capacity for Chadian forces, an arrangement that is in line with the strategic partnership agreement signed between Hungary and Chad in September 2024. The training will cover a range of topics including tactical operations, battlefield maneuvers, border surveillance, and other essential skills. Although naval operations are also scheduled, they are expected to cater mainly to the needs of the participating coastal states.

Meanwhile, Chad has recently adjusted elements of its foreign military policy—for example, French troops concluded their long-standing deployment in Chad on 30 January. Despite these changes, Chad continues to face internal security challenges, including insurgent attacks targeting key national institutions.

Hungary’s engagement in Chad goes beyond the military sphere. In 2024, the Hungarian government opened a humanitarian and development office in Chad and extended a €200 million tied assistance loan. This initiative followed a visit to Budapest by Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno in September, which took place after his participation in the China-Africa summit in Beijing. During that visit, several bilateral agreements on security and development were finalized.

As part of these agreements, Hungary has committed to deploying around 100 military personnel to help train Chadian security forces. Additionally, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced plans to send 200 troops to support stabilization efforts in the Sahel—a mission that received parliamentary endorsement on 6 November 2024. Preparatory measures have also included allocating nearly 2 million euros to establish a humanitarian, training, and development centre in Chad. Notably, Gáspár Orbán, son of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and a member of the Defence Minister’s cabinet, has been actively involved in mission planning. Although the precise deployment schedule is still under review, strategic analysts speculate that Hungary may also aim to set up a military intelligence presence in Chad.

Expansive U.S.-Led Military Build-Up in Africa

In tandem with the ongoing Flintlock exercises, the United States is spearheading “African Lion 25,” one of the most extensive multinational military drills on the continent. Spanning Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, this exercise will involve more than 10,000 military personnel from 40 countries, including seven NATO allies.

In Tunisia, the drill kicked off on 22 April and will run until 30 April. Its primary objectives are to enhance operational readiness, strengthen interoperability among allied forces, and boost collective response capabilities in complex security environments. Tunisia’s long-standing strategic ties with the U.S.—evidenced by its status as a major non-NATO ally and ongoing procurement of American defence equipment—further highlight the importance of this exercise.

African Lion 25 incorporates a wide range of training modules. Participants will engage in counterIED operations, airborne and amphibious manoeuvres, cyber defence strategies, rapid deployment of highmobility rocket systems (HIMARS), and humanitarian assistance missions. In addition, the Wyoming National Guard’s 84th Civil Support Team is participating under the State Partnership Program, with a focus on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threat response.

Logistical and operational support for both the Flintlock and African Lion exercises is being provided by the 405th Army Field Support Brigade through the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP). This support ensures that critical infrastructure and sustainment services are maintained under challenging conditions.

Together, these multinational efforts reaffirm the commitment of NATO allies and partner nations to promoting stability, bolstering security, and enhancing capacity-building across Africa.