On 9–10 September 2026, Hungary hosted a two-day programme of the European Defence Agency’s Modern Army Readiness with Simulation (MARS) Working Group.
The first day was dedicated to the MARS Working Group meeting, bringing together representatives of the participating Member States, as well as delegates from Ukraine and the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine.
On behalf of the Hungarian Ministry of Defence, Krisztián Busa, Head of the Department for Defence Innovation and Capability Development, welcomed the participants. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of the EDA MARS Working Group and its role in supporting the integration of new technologies into military training.
The meeting also brought an important decision for the future of the group: the participating Member States unanimously endorsed Dr. Gergely Kovács to continue as Chair of the EDA MARS Working Group until 2028.
The second day shifted from discussion to practical demonstration. Participants visited the HDF 86th Szolnok Helicopter Brigade, where the Defence Innovation Research Institute showcased XR field-testing activities carried out jointly with the Hungarian Defence Forces. The programme offered a first-hand look at how extended reality technologies can be applied in military training environments.
The two-day programme demonstrated that the successful development and military application of modern technologies depend on international cooperation, the exchange of professional expertise and practical testing.
A big thank you to Dr. Gergely Kovács and all participating Member States for two days of constructive dialogue, cooperation and shared expertise. We would also like to thank the Hungarian Defence Forces and the HDF 86th Szolnok Helicopter Brigade for their contribution to the programme.
