Georgian Defence Forces receive training equipment from US as part of $4.3 mln programme
The multiple integrated laser engagement system, or MILES, is used by the US military and other armed forces around the world for training purposes. It uses lasers and blank cartridges to simulate actual combat. Photo: US Embassy to Georgia.
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The United States has given a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) to the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre (JTEC), 'where it will be used to enhance the realism of combat training for the Georgian Defence Forces', announces the US Embassy to Georgia.
The embassy states that the equipment was delivered as part of the United State's 'firm commitment' to the US-Georgian military partnership.
The multiple integrated laser engagement system, or MILES, is used by the US military and other armed forces around the world for training purposes. It uses lasers and blank cartridges to simulate actual combat.
The equipment was delivered as part of the $4.3 million programme that includes a full complement of training, equipment and administration, says the embassy.
The United States is funding the equipment of the Georgian Defence Forces with 600 M249 portable, gas operated, light machine guns, or Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW) 'as part of our commitment to Georgia's defence and territorial integrity', announces the US Embassy to Georgia.
Nationally produced armoured cars have equipped the Georgian Defence Forces for the first time, after the Scientific Technical Centre 'Delta' provided the armed forces with Didgori vehicles.
Georgian Defence Forces will be equipped with locally produced uniforms and accessories, the Ministry of Defence has revealed in its latest move for upgrading and replacing equipment of the troops over the recent months.
Georgian defence forces have received brand new Toyota Land Cruiser ambulances from the defence ministry today. Previously the defence forces received Toyota Hilux pickup trucks as part of renovation of their transportation fleet.
In a latest round of upgrading their equipment to NATO-standard arms, the Georgian Defence Forces have received American-made machine guns and grenade launchers, the Ministry of Defence of Georgia announced on Thursday.
Local Georgian enterprise Delta Textile, which provides the country’s defence forces with locally produced winter and summer field and daily work uniforms, is marking one year since its establishment on September 15.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit Georgia, Romania, Ukraine and Brussels next week, Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby said at a briefing yesterday. “Austin and his team will be preparing for a trip to Europe next week. They will stay in Georgia, Ukraine and Romania, and he (Austin) will also conclude this important visit with allies and partners in Brussels, where the meeting of NATO defense ministers will take place,” Kirby said.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani says that the visit of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Georgia next week is ‘historic’ and reaffirms America’s strong support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Zalkaliani said earlier today that the visit points to the ‘special attitude’ of the US to strategic partnership with Georgia, which is based on ‘common values, interests and goals.’
The US department of defence has announced that during his meetings with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze, Austin will underscore the importance of the US-Georgia strategic partnership in addressing regional and global security challenges as well.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Georgia earlier today, on what Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said was ‘a historic visit.’ FM Zalkaliani stated last week that the visit ‘reaffirms America’s strong support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.’ Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze and US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan welcomed Austin at Tbilisi International Airport.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Georgian Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze signed a memorandum of understanding on the Georgia Defense and Deterrence Enhancement (GDDE) Initiative earlier today in Tbilisi. “This initiative marks a new phase of our bilateral security cooperation, and it demonstrates the US’ commitment to supporting Georgia,” Austin said.
Rangers of Georgia’s Special Operation Forces joined their American colleagues for defence drills in the east of the country under a joint programme, the Georgian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
Major General Michael Wickman, the newly appointed Deputy Commander of the US Army in Europe and Africa, and Major General Giorgi Matiashvili, the Chief of the Georgian Defence Forces, on Thursday discussed the “fruitful cooperation” between the Georgian Defence Forces and the US Army’s regional command, the Georgian Defence Ministry said on Thursday.