Defence Minister announces joint enterprise to produce UAVs in Georgia, updates MPs on defence projects

A Georgian-Polish enterprise Delta WB will begin producing Georgian-made unmanned aerial vehicles by the end of the year, Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze said on Thursday.

During his address to MPs at the Parliament, the official said the enterprise, which has already been established, would also produce ‘suicide’ and reconnaissance drones in the country.

He further noted the enterprise would be equipped with modern technologies and a training centre would also be established on the basis of the company.

• Georgian Defence Forces receive locally produced armoured vehicles

Burchuladze also told lawmakers work was underway to manufacture and purchase mortars - including self-propelled versions - and upgrade self-propelled artillery systems of the Georgian Defence Forces. 

Announcing the state body was working with one of “world's leading companies” to integrate its existing artillery pieces into a modern fire control system, Burchuladze said the project would increase accuracy and rate of fire of the hardware. 

The Minister also said production of NATO-standard G4 automatic rifles had also started in the country, adding five samples were being tested and a full production would follow.

• Georgia presents first reconnaissance vehicle produced by Delta

Restoration, renovation and modernisation works on GDF’s existing aircraft fleet is also underway at the country’s Tbilaviamsheni aviation factory and the Military-Technical Centre ‘Delta’, Burchuladze added in his comments. 

The Defence Minister was speaking at the legislative body today in the Minister’s Hour format, where Government officials discuss issues regarding their field of work and answer questions from legislators.