Hungarian defence technology company 4iG Space and Defence Technologies Ltd (4iG SDT) and global defence giant Lockheed Martin have signed a preliminary agreement to explore potential industrial cooperation in the realm of long-range rocket artillery systems. The move marks a significant stride in Hungary’s defence capabilities and industrial development.
Under the agreement, both parties are examining an industrial model that could facilitate the integration of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) in Hungary. This includes the installation of HIMARS on military trucks and the associated technological, development, and manufacturing activities. Lockheed Martin, renowned as the world’s largest defence industry group, brings a wealth of expertise in air defence, missile launch systems, and long-range fire support solutions. The company serves as a strategic partner to over 60 countries, with a diverse portfolio spanning aeronautics, missile and fire control systems, rotary-wing and maritime platforms, and space technologies.
The HIMARS system, a flagship solution from Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division, has become a cornerstone of NATO’s eastern flank defence and a pivotal element in the modernization efforts of several allied nations. The collaboration aims to establish an industrial framework that enhances the Hungarian Defence Forces’ NATO-compatible long-range fire support capabilities while bringing high-value-added activities to Hungary. This initiative is subject to necessary approvals from both the US and Hungarian governments.
A joint Executive Steering Committee, composed of representatives from both companies, will oversee the identification and preparation of cooperation opportunities. The committee will support the development of new projects, assess potential development, technology, and investment models, and explore options for involving Hungarian suppliers.
István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT, hailed the agreement as a historic milestone for Hungary’s defence industry. “Partnering with Lockheed Martin lays the foundations for domestic capabilities that will define Hungary’s role among NATO’s most reliable and well-prepared partners,” he said. The establishment of an industrial background linked to HIMARS represents both a technological leap and the creation of new, high-value-added development and manufacturing capacities in Hungary.
Paula Hartley, Vice President of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin, underscored the significance of the partnership. “Our combat-proven long-range rocket artillery solutions contribute to strengthening NATO and Europe’s defence capabilities,” she stated. The collaboration highlights Lockheed Martin’s commitment to supporting European allies in developing industrial capabilities and meeting their NATO obligations.
The preliminary agreement reinforces defence industry ties between Hungary and the United States, demonstrating Hungary’s reliability as a partner in handling technologies subject to strict export controls. This initiative, the first of its kind for 4iG SDT with a major US defence company, signifies a substantial step forward in bolstering Hungary’s defence and industrial capabilities.
The preparatory process currently underway could pave the way for creating capacities that uniquely link Hungarian industry with US defence innovation at a regional level. As a premium-category issuer on the Budapest Stock Exchange, 4iG’s shares closed up 9.09% at 4,440 forints on Tuesday, reflecting market confidence in this strategic development.