Many of you pointed out, that the Soviet troops stationed in Hungary would have prevented the conflict.

In my opinion, as long as Hungary doesn't leave the Warsaw Pact, the Soviets wouldn't care so much, since they are already occupied with their perestroika and glasnost.

Furthermore, if the Hungarians initially declare their goals to be only topping the Romanian regime, stopping the village destructions and maybe achieving some autonomy for the Hungarian-populated areas, then the Soviet interference is even less likely.

In 1988, the Hungarian People's Army's peacetime strength was 106 800 soldiers. It had 13 gunner, 4 tank and 4 artillery brigades, it had 4 anti-tank artillery, 7 technical and 3 signal regiments. Furthermore it had 1 operational-combat rocket brigade, 3 combat rocket departments, 4 recon and 1 airborne stormtrooper battalions. It also had 1 radio-technical brigade, 11 anti-air artillery and rocket regiments and 1 assault helicopter regiment. Besides these, there were also numerous news, electronic combat, anti-chemical, supply, maintenace, transport, etc. units and sub-units and many supply, research, training-learning facilities as well.

At the armies disposal, there were 113 jets, 1435 tanks, 2310 AFVs, 27 artillery rocket launchers, 1750 field artillery, 270 anti-tank artillery, ~500 anti-air weapons (artillery and rocket) and ~50 self-propelled bridge-launchers.
 

James G

Gone Fishin'
Many of you pointed out, that the Soviet troops stationed in Hungary would have prevented the conflict.

In my opinion, as long as Hungary doesn't leave the Warsaw Pact, the Soviets wouldn't care so much, since they are already occupied with their perestroika and glasnost.

Furthermore, if the Hungarians initially declare their goals to be only topping the Romanian regime, stopping the village destructions and maybe achieving some autonomy for the Hungarian-populated areas, then the Soviet interference is even less likely.

In 1988, the Hungarian People's Army's peacetime strength was 106 800 soldiers. It had 13 gunner, 4 tank and 4 artillery brigades, it had 4 anti-tank artillery, 7 technical and 3 signal regiments. Furthermore it had 1 operational-combat rocket brigade, 3 combat rocket departments, 4 recon and 1 airborne stormtrooper battalions. It also had 1 radio-technical brigade, 11 anti-air artillery and rocket regiments and 1 assault helicopter regiment. Besides these, there were also numerous news, electronic combat, anti-chemical, supply, maintenace, transport, etc. units and sub-units and many supply, research, training-learning facilities as well.

At the armies disposal, there were 113 jets, 1435 tanks, 2310 AFVs, 27 artillery rocket launchers, 1750 field artillery, 270 anti-tank artillery, ~500 anti-air weapons (artillery and rocket) and ~50 self-propelled bridge-launchers.
Sounds very strong as an army... only on paper. The Hungarians were a paper tiger and they, plus the Soviets, we'e happy for it to stay that way. Romania would quite easily kick their behinds.
 
Sounds very strong as an army... only on paper. The Hungarians were a paper tiger and they, plus the Soviets, we'e happy for it to stay that way. Romania would quite easily kick their behinds.
Yes they would but just until they reached Debrecen. Then the Romanian army would run out of fuel, bullets and food. By the end of the 80s even the army was on almost starvation rations. The state would collapse economically in 1 month without outside help
 

James G

Gone Fishin'
Yes they would but just until they reached Debrecen. Then the Romanian army would run out of fuel, bullets and food. By the end of the 80s even the army was on almost starvation rations. The state would collapse economically in 1 month without outside help
I won't disagree. On the defence though they'd be fine.
 
I won't disagree. On the defence though they'd be fine.

For a while yes but Hungary was in a much better place economically than Romania. When I was small there was nothing in the stores. I won't be exaggerating if I compare Romania from 1988 with prezent day N
orth Korea. Thru, the country had few debts but the economy was shot, moral was low and public discontent was growing. On the other hand Hungary had a far better economy, high external debt and better morale.
Romania would be defeated in 3-6 months not by the action of the Hungarian army but by internal societal pressure and economic collapse.
Now if the war happened say 10 years earlier than no question asked Romania would beat Hungary like a red headed step child.
 
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