NATO EOD COE Delegates Visit Hungarian EOD Unit

Two representatives from the NATO Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of Excellence (EOD COE) carried out a formal, two-day visit to the Hungarian Defence Forces 1st EOD and Riverine Guard Regiment (HDF 1st EOD and RGR) between November 10 and 11, 2025.

The delegation consisted of the NATO EOD COE personnel, Colonel Zsolt Szilágyi, Chief of Staff of the EOD COE and Master Sergeant Gabor Korom, Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) from the EOD COE Technology Department, who also serves as the Deputy Project Manager for the vital ETACS project.

The purpose of the visit was to enhance partnership and share future plans.

The EOD COE Chief of Staff, Colonel Szilágyi, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the Centre’s Training Plan and our main Events scheduled for 2026. A significant focus was placed on promoting the upcoming 11th EOD Workshop, a major international gathering set to take place on May 19–20, 2026.

Colonel Szilágyi utilized the two-day period to meet extensively with both the Regiment Commander, Colonel László Lengyel, and the selected EOD operational personnel.

MSGT Korom then provided a thorough introduction to the ETACS project for the designated staff. Crucially, the soldiers were given the opportunity to actively participate and test the latest software development in a practical setting.

A critical objective of the meeting was to collect detailed end-user feedback. This practical input from the operational personnel is considered absolutely essential for the ongoing success of the ETACS project. The development team will now integrate these valuable suggestions to refine and enhance the software’s capabilities.

This successful visit played a vital role in strengthening professional collaboration and aligning the future tasks of the two organizations. Representatives from both the NATO EOD COE and the HDF 1st EOD and RGR concluded that the visit was highly productive and contributed significantly to their shared goals.

Author: MSGT Gábor Zsolt Korom

Photos: MSGT Gábor Zsolt Korom