Defence industry development, social packages for servicemembers in PM, Minister’s overview of 2023 plans

Development of Georgia’s domestic defence industry and social packages for servicemembers were among topics discussed by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze on Monday.

The officials reviewed the subjects among 2023 plans for the Ministry, with Burchuladze’s deputies and other officials of the body also involved in the meeting, the Government Administration said.

Garibashvili and Burchuladze mentioned strengthening the Georgian Defence Forces and improving the social packages among “principal” directions of the Ministry.

They noted the increased ₾1.26 billion ($479 mln) budget for 2023 would be “proportionally” distributed and used for the development of the domestic defence capabilities. 

The sides also noted the 20 percent increase in salaries of GDF personnel starting this year.

Burchuladze informed the head of Government on programmes and projects designated to be implemented during the current year, including through continued cooperation with NATO and the country’s international partners for strengthening Georgia’s defence capabilities.

The Minister also said “important steps” would be taken again to strengthen the domestic defence industry, along with the continued process of purchase of Javelin anti-tank platforms from the United States.