Hungary Faces Losses: Unknown Thieves Steal Parts from Military Base Housing Obsolete MiG-29 Fighters
Approximately two weeks ago, a bold and mysterious theft occurred at a military airbase in the city of Kecskemét, Hungary.
Unknown perpetrators managed to infiltrate the military facility and stole components from long-decommissioned MiG-29 fighter jets.
These aircraft have not been part of Hungary’s military inventory for quite some time, yet their parts hold significant value for collectors or potential black market buyers.
Preliminary reports suggest that the thieves cut through the perimeter fencing of the airbase and entered the zone where the aircraft’s nose section and associated radar equipment were stored.
Local police confirmed that a criminal case has been opened, but officials refrained from further comments citing the confidentiality of the investigation.
The Hungarian Ministry of Defense also declined to make statements for the same reasons.
This incident raises concerns among military experts and analysts, as the removal of vital aircraft components could lead to them being trafficked or traded illegally.
It is worth noting that in 1993, Hungary received 28 MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia as part of a debt repayment agreement.
Over the years, these aircraft became outdated and were replaced by more modern fighters, including Swedish JAS Gripen jets in 2010.
By 2019, the Hungarian government attempted to sell some of these planes through an auction, but there were no takers.
The recent theft hints at a possible effort to divert parts for illicit sale or resale in the black market, posing new security concerns for Hungary and its allies.This event underscores the broader issues of military asset security, especially regarding weapons and equipment of Russian origin within NATO-affiliated and partner countries like Hungary, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with old and poorly secured military stocks.