Georgian military is planning to upgrade helicopter fleet

The Ministry of Defense of Georgia has announced plans to revitalize the Soviet helicopter fleet with Western models in 2014.

According to the Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania, the reason to replace the Soviet helicopters was because it was difficult to acquire necessary spare parts and, mostly, thats practically impossible to get this service without corruption deals.

"We are planning to renovate and develop the U.S. utility helicopter fleet, said Alasania. "We have [negotiated] with other countries and some opportunities also appeared after my visit to the Republic of France."

Presently, Georgia's armed forces operate Mi-24 attack helicopters and Mi-8 utility helicopters of Soviet origin, as well as American UH-1H utility helicopters.

What the Government plans to do with the Soviet Legacy hasnt been revealed yet. Nevertheless, according to military expert Irakli Aladashvili, the Soviet equipment might be sold to several African countries.