How do we prepare for tomorrow’s challenges when the security landscape keeps shifting?
This question brought us together at Stefánia Palace for “New Policy – New Strategy: Challenges in Security and Defence Policy,” marking Hungarian Military Science Day. The Defence Innovation Research Institute co-organised the event with the Hungarian Association of Military Science, bringing different perspectives into a shared discussion about the way forward.
The conference opened with remarks from its patron, János Szőnyegi, Deputy State Secretary for Defence Policy and Force Development at Hungary’s Ministry of Defence. He captured the practical test of strategy in these words: “Strategy is not what we write in a document. Strategy is what the state can carry out even when everything goes wrong.” This set the tone for the day: how can we build plans that hold up under pressure? He highlighted the importance of adapting quickly and integrating new technologies and evolving tactics.
In the plenary session, István Gyarmati examined developments in international and Hungarian foreign policy since 2020, while Péter Tálas explored what Europe’s changing security environment means for Hungary’s strategic choices. Zoltán Szenes reviewed shifts in Hungarian defence policy since 2021, and Dr. Gergely Németh addressed the practical and theoretical challenges of developing strategy.
For VIKI, these discussions connect directly with defence innovation: understanding real operational needs and turning technological potential into usable capabilities. We intend to build on this exchange by deepening our cooperation with the Hungarian Association of Military Science, strengthening the connections between military research and innovation beyond this event.
Thank you to all speakers, session chairs and participants for sharing your experience, contributing valuable perspectives and sparking thought-provoking discussions.
