On 8 June 2026, the Bálna Defence Centre hosted the launch of the special issue of Haditechnika dedicated to the Russia–Ukraine war.
The publication examines one of the most consequential armed conflicts of recent years through the lens of military technology, operational experience and the broader technological lessons that can be drawn from the battlefield. The event provided a professional forum for invited experts to discuss not only the key themes of the issue, but also the developments that have emerged since its publication, current innovation trends and the evolving dynamics of the war.
The programme featured two panel discussions.️
The first roundtable focused on the changing character of the conflict and the features that distinguish it from previous wars. Prof. Emeritus Dr. Zoltán Szenes, retired colonel general, offered an overview of the ways in which the Russia–Ukraine war differs from earlier armed conflicts. Dr. Ferenc Kaiser, Associate Professor at the Ludovika University of Public Service and VIKI chief scientific advisor, analysed the naval warfare aspects of the war, while Gábor Mészáros, Defence Research Director at VIKI, shared insights into the operation, capabilities and significance of Ukraine’s DELTA command and control system. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Ferenc Hajdú, Director of Zrínyi Publishing House.
The second panel turned to specialised capability areas highlighted in the issue. Prof. Emeritus Dr. habil. László Lukács, retired engineer lieutenant colonel and professor at the Ludovika University of Public Service, discussed the operational use of mines; Lt. Col. Dr. Zsolt Végvári examined the role of drones on the battlefield; and Lt. Col. Attila Horváth addressed the relevance of space warfare in the context of the conflict. The panel was moderated by Máté Havasi, Managing Editor at Zrínyi Publishing House.
For VIKI, professional platforms of this kind are essential for developing a shared understanding of the technological, operational and strategic dimensions of modern warfare. The lessons of the Russia–Ukraine war are highly relevant not only for the defence sector, but also for the wider security policy, innovation and decision-making communities.
We would like to thank the organisers, contributors and participating experts for the insightful professional exchange.
Image source: honvedelem.hu
