NATO_s 1999 country report said much of Hungary_s military equipment is outdated and this gives cause for concern.

The report published in Thursday_s [6th April] Nepszabadsag daily added that the army reform launched last year and the strategic revision are aimed at creating a more professional army in line with NATO_s armed force structure. The "lower level of military preparedness", which Hungary expects to eliminate by late 2003, is acceptable for the allies, but from 2004 they count on full-scale Hungarian participation. The report criticized the slow pace of language training in the army and the few flying hours fulfilled by jet fighter pilots. It could mare the prestige of military leadership if it offers NATO troops unable to meet the alliance_s expectations, says the report, adding that NATO has no proof that Hungary has medical-sanitary units able to operate in polluted areas. The report, however, praised Hungary_s efforts to set up a combat-ready organization.