Dual use? The German-Hungarian Logistics Military Cooperation (Spil) with Czech Republic-Multinational Structured Partnership in Logistics

The silent spil power axis: the Czech-German-Hungarian logistics pact-the secret of effective military logistics in Central Europe

The structured partnership in logistics, known as the abbreviation Spil, represents a remarkable development in modern European defense cooperation. This bilateral initiative between Germany and Hungary embodies a pioneering approach to strengthening multinational military cooperation within NATO and contributes significantly to security and stability in Europe.

After the joining of the Czech Republic, the name of the project was changed in "Multinational Structured Partnership in Logistics"

The emergence of future -oriented cooperation

The roots of the Spil go back to 2016 when the then German Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen presented the concept of “leadership from the center” during the Munich Security Conference. This concept emphasized the need for resources and skills to be brought into alliances and partnerships, whereby partners with fewer resources can also contribute their indispensable contributions at eye level.

The formal basis of the Spil was created in March 2016 by a target agreement between Germany and Hungary. These “mid-term goals” were signed by Brigadiereral Baráth, the then commander of the Hungarian Logistics Center, and Brigadieral Funke, the then deputy commander of the German Logistics Command in Erfurt. The agreement laid the foundation for a structured and long -term cooperation that should go beyond simple bilateral exercises.

The development on Spil took place organically from a project for multinational joint logistics that had previously existed. Through continuous exercise and investigation projects, the possibilities and limits of multinational logistics were researched with the aim of opening up synergies through multinational cooperation and making them usable for future missions.

Strategic goals and vision of the Spil

The SPIL pursues several strategic goals that are closely linked to the changed security policy challenges in Europe. After the end of the Cold War, the armed forces of all European countries shrank considerably, which lost important skills in width and depth. In this context, multinational cooperation grew strongly in importance, especially in the context of international crisis management.

One central goal of the SPIL is to strengthen the perseverance for operations and the same commitments and to improve interoperability in the entire range of tasks of the alliance. Through the development of plan and in-calling binational skills, the German Bundeswehr is to be established as a “dockable” force that enables partners to contribute their logistical resources and skills as an indispensable contribution in the alliance.

The Spil aims at three different levels of standardization: operational, administrative and material standardization. The operational standardization includes the harmonization of planning and management procedures as well as the associated logistical management and information systems. Administrative standardization refers to the harmonization of training content and structures, while material standardization contains the use of the same technology, processes and equipment.

The three pillars of the SPIL projects

The Spil is divided into three main projects, each of which addresses specific aspects of the German-Hungarian logistics cooperation.

Safety Fuel - the field management project

The first and the most developed project is Safety Fuel, which focuses on the development of a binational field attachment train. The beginnings of this project go back to 2011, as the first training courses of Hungarian soldiers at the field management in the training and training center of special pioneers took place in Putlos.

The Hungarian decision to take over and use the German field management material formed the essential basis for this project. The transfer of mobile pipeline defect material and the basic special training of Hungarian personnel was achieved, the material standardization was achieved, which was a prerequisite for further cooperation.

With the establishment of the “Safety Fuel” exercise series in 2012, the joint capacity development for layer and perseverance was systematically advanced. The integration into multinational NATO exercises such as “Capable Logistician” enabled important performance tests under realistic conditions.

An important milestone was reached in November 2020 when both CO Presidents found the “initial operational capability” (IOC) of the binational field attachment. Despite the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic, the Safety Fuel exercise was carried out in Hungary in 2021, with Croatian for the first time.

Safety Transport-The Transport Companie Initiative

The second project, Safety Transport, focuses on the development of a German-Hungarian middle transport company. The first discussions about this project began in February 2014, and the first exercise Safety Transport took place in Hungary in April 2015.

The goal of this cooperation is a German-Hungarian middle transport company based on NATO standards, which can transport multi containers and other military goods using the alternating radiator system. The development of this project proved to be particularly demanding, since transport forces not only have to cope with stationary but also mobile operations.

Due to the complexity of the requirements, the integration at the company level with national transport trains and a mixed company was decided. This structure takes into account the practical challenges of use in possibly dangerous environments, where communication in a foreign language could become problematic in extreme situations.

The establishment of a sponsorship between the German logistics battalion 472 and the Hungarian logistics regiment 64 in 2018 documented the trusting cooperation between the two partners. Despite the restrictions through the Covid 19 pandemic, important progress was made, and in 2021 the “initial operational capability” was achieved.

Safety Doctrine - Legal and conceptual foundations

The third project, Safety Doctrine, deals with the development of binational doctrine and framework documents. This project is of crucial importance because it creates the legal and conceptual foundations for operational cooperation. The development of common regulations and regulations as well as the harmonization with national and multinational exercise planning are the focus of this initiative.

In April 2021, a “Conceptual Framework Paper” was adopted as a common working basis. This document answers central questions such as: Who contributes to the joint skills development? Which national and multinational regulations must be taken into account? How should joint logistical procedural regulations be recorded?

Is the spil a kind of dual-use logistics?

Yes, the German-Hungarian logistics military cooperation Spil can be seen in parts as a form of dual-use cooperation-but not in the classic sense of civil-military double use in the technical area, but rather in the expanded sense of infrastructure and ability use.

Why Spil can partly be considered a dual -use

1. Civil and military logistics infrastructure

Many logistical networks, such as the Metrans Container network, are used for both civil and military transports. Spil integrates such civilian structures into military planning.

2. Standardized technology and processes

The material standardization (e.g. in SAP S4/HANA) leads to intersections with civil logistics systems, especially in areas such as transport management, warehouse logistics or IT system integration.

3. Industrial cooperation and production

The German-Hungarian cooperation in the armaments area (e.g. Rheinmetall-Werke) produces products that could also be used or convertible in civilian areas, for example in special vehicles or communication systems.

Why Spil is not a classic dual -use

• The primary objective is military - all projects serve ability to maintain ability and use within NATO.
• The legal bases, training standards and operational scenarios are clearly defined militarily.
• There is no direct institutionalized interlinking with civilian actors at the operational level (such as civil-military disaster relief).

Spil is not a classic dual-use initiative, but has numerous dual elements-especially in the field of infrastructure, logistics processes and industrial cooperation.

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The role of the military modernization of Hungary

The Spil is closely related to the Hungarian modernization program “Zrínyi 2026”. This comprehensive program aims to modernize the Hungarian armed forces and increase interoperability in the alliance. The procurement of German military materials such as the Leopard 2 A7 combat tank, the PZH 2000 tank shaft and the Lynx protective armor creates important prerequisites for material standardization.

The modernization not only includes the procurement of new equipment, but also the adaptation of structures, procedures and processes. The German Logistics Command supports this process through advice and support in close coordination with other German commands. The parallel introduction of SAP S4/HANA in both armed forces enables improved interoperability of the logistical information systems.

The German-Hungarian cooperation in the defense industry has developed into a remarkable success story. Hungary previously recognized the need for a clear strategy than many other European countries and created reliable framework conditions for investors from the armaments industry. State participation in joint venture structures is understood as an obligation to industry, which in Hungary is produced not only for the Hungarian army, but for the entire European market.

International dimensions and NATO context

The Spil is embedded in the broader concept of NATO frame nation, which has been driving Germany since 2013. The Framework Nations Concept (FNC) aims to create efficient structures and stable cooperation relationships between partnerships and to promote multinational capacity development.

As a framework, Germany takes on a key role in European defense cooperation. Under the roof of the FNC, 16 NATO member states and 4 EU partner countries have agreed to build larger multinational troop bodies in different participation constellations. This harmonized skill development is carried out along joint time and work plans in 16 multinational project fields.

The importance of multinational logistics cooperation is also underlined by initiatives such as the multinational Logistics Coordination Center (MLCC) in Prague. This multinational military organization is working on building or improving logistics skills, reducing logistics deficits and reducing costs through multinational solutions. 14 NATO and partnership countries have already joined the MLCC.

Current developments and Czech accession

Spil has received further international attention in recent years, in particular through the interest of the Czech Republic in a participation. Although concrete details about a formal accession to the Spil in the available sources are not explicitly documented, the intensified relationships between Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic show significant trends in this direction.

The Czech Republic has a long tradition of military cooperation with Germany and other NATO partners. Since NATO joining in 1999 together with Poland and Hungary, the Czech Republic has established itself as a reliable partner in the Allianz. The Czech armed forces have modern equipment and have made considerable investments in the modernization of their skills in recent years.

An important indicator of increased cooperation is the participation of Czech companies in Hungarian armaments projects. Czech companies such as VOP CZ, Rayservice, Tatra, Meopta and Quittner & Schimek are long-time partners of Rheinmetall and produce specialized components for the Lynx combat vehicle program, which is relevant for both Hungary and potential Czech procurement.

The logistical infrastructure between Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary is already well developed. The Metrans network, which has been operating container shuttle services between the Czech Republic and Hamburg since 1992, demonstrates the practical feasibility of cross-border logistics cooperation. This civil infrastructure can also be used for military logistics purposes and supports the integration of the three countries.

When different armies work together: the complex realities of multinational defense strategies

The Spil faces various challenges that are characteristic of complex multinational military cooperation. A central challenge lies in the harmonization of different national training systems and operational principles. Although all the countries involved follow NATO standards, there are still differences in tradition, leadership principles and training methods that can make close integration difficult.

The language barrier is another practical problem, especially in stressful situations or in complex operations. While the English language is basically used for the cooperation, integration at the train or company level requires a high degree of linguistic competence of all soldiers involved.

Material standardization brings long -term procurement challenges. The German field management material will reach the end of its usage cycle in the medium term, which requires a joint coordination of future procurement projects. Only by preserving material standardization can the ability be kept in the long term for missions.

The political framework plays a crucial role in the success of the Spil. Long -term collaborations for joint capacity development need a stable political framework. Changes in security policy or in the priorities of the countries involved can affect the continuity of the cooperation.

Technological innovation and digitization

An important aspect of the spil lies in the modernization of the logistical information systems. The parallel introduction of SAP S4/HANA in the German and Hungarian armed forces creates important prerequisites for process -oriented logistical cooperation. This standardization enables seamless information exchange and significantly improves the planning and coordination skills.

The digitization of the logistics processes also enables better integration with civil logistics service providers, which is of great importance in view of the dependence of modern armed forces. The German Bundeswehr is already heavily dependent on civilian logistics service providers, and this dependency will increase in the future.

Strategic importance for European security

The Spil makes a significant contribution to strengthening European defense skills. At a time when the security policy challenges in Europe increase, German-Hungarian cooperation demonstrates how military skills can be developed and preserved efficiently through structured partnerships.

The geographical location of the countries involved gives the Spil special strategic importance. Germany acts as a central logistical hub of NATO in Europe, while Hungary occupies an important bridge function between Western and Eastern Europe due to its location. The possible inclusion of Czech Republic would further strengthen this strategic axis and improve the connections to the eastern NATO partners.

The Spil also serves as a model for other bilateral and multilateral collaborations within NATO and EU. The experiences and teachings from this partnership can be transferred to other countries and areas of ability, which can result in a network of integrated European defense skills.

Economic dimensions of the cooperation

The Spil also has significant economic effects that go beyond the purely military area. Cooperation in the defense industry between Germany and Hungary has led to considerable investments and technology transfer. These collaborations create jobs, promote innovation and strengthen the industrial basis of both countries.

The armaments industry is perceived as an attractive employer because it can offer a stable future. This is particularly important at a time when other branches of industry are confronted with uncertainties. The German-Hungarian cooperation shows how defense cooperation can contribute to economic stability and development.

The integration of the Czech Republic into this cooperation would open up further economic opportunities. The Czech armaments industry is particularly well positioned for handguns, artillery equipment, ammunition and radar devices. Cooperation could create synergies and strengthen the competitiveness of all countries involved.

Success model Spil: Why multinational military cooperation works

The structured partnership in logistics between Germany and Hungary represents a remarkable success story of European defense cooperation. Since its foundation in 2016, the Spil has developed into a comprehensive and multi -layered cooperation framework, which includes operational, administrative and material aspects of military cooperation.

The three main projects Safety Fuel, Safety Transport and Safety Doctrine demonstrate how military skills can be developed and preserved through systematic and long -term cooperation. The milestones achieved, in particular the “initial operational capability” in both operational projects, show that structured partnerships can offer practical solutions for the challenges of modern defense.

The possible expansion of the Spil by the Czech Republic would further increase the strategic importance of this initiative. The geographical connection between Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary would create an important logistical axis in Central Europe that could contribute to the stability and safety of the entire region.

The Spil shows an example that successful multinational cooperation is based on common goals, reliable cooperation and willingness to invest in partnerships. The experiences from this cooperation can serve as a model for further initiatives and contribute to the development of an integrated European defense system.

In a time growing security policy challenges, Spil offers a practical approach to strengthening European defense skills. Through the combination of operational excellence, technological innovation and political vision, this partnership contributes significantly to the security and stability of Europe and demonstrates how more can be achieved by joint efforts than every country could manage alone.

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