Original, Vintage, Para Wings. No chips to the enamels.

The history of Hungarian airborne forces can be broadly divided into three phases:

1. World War II (1939-1945):

• 1939: Following the example of other European nations, Hungary established its first airborne unit, the 1st Parachute Battalion.

• 1944: The battalion was expanded into the 1st Parachute Regiment.

• Limited combat involvement: These paratroopers saw limited action during World War II, primarily engaging in defensive operations against the advancing Soviet forces.

2. Cold War Era (1945-1989):

• Post-war re-establishment: After the war, the airborne unit was disbanded but re-established in 1948 as a parachute company.

• Expansion and Soviet influence: During the Cold War, under Soviet influence, the company grew into the 62nd Parachute Battalion within the Hungarian People's Army.

• Training and exercises: The battalion primarily focused on training and participating in exercises with other Warsaw Pact forces, but it did not see any active combat. 

3. Post-Cold War Era (1990-present):

• Downsizing and shift: After the fall of the Soviet Union and Hungary's integration with NATO, the 62nd Parachute Battalion was disbanded in the late 1990s.

• Focus on special forces: Since then, Hungary's focus in terms of air-deployable troops has shifted towards Special Reconnaissance Forces (SRF) within the Hungarian Defence Forces.

• No dedicated airborne unit: As of today, Hungary does not maintain a dedicated airborne unit like a parachute regiment. However, some elements within the SRF receive parachute training and are capable of aerial deployment.

• While Hungary no longer boasts a large-scale airborne force, its military continues to emphasize rapid deployment capabilities through specialized units like the SRF, reflecting the evolving needs of modern warfare.