A group of Georgian servicemen will be trained abroad in 2016, French specialists will also train Georgian servicemen under an agreement on the purchase of advanced air defense systems, Georgian Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli told reporters on July 31.
“You are aware that the agreement is signed. Its financial part was brought before a government meeting and approved at it today. Consequently, the fulfillment of the first part will begin according to the plan. In particular, the relevant contingent will be sent for training next year. Frenchmen will also come to Georgia to train our servicemen,” Khidasheli said.
The minister also said that after the delivery of weapons to Georgia the country’s air defense systems would be fully equipped and ready to perform their tasks.
It was reported on July 10 that Georgian Defense Minister Khidasheli signed a contract in Paris on the supplies of state-of-the-art air defense systems with the French company MBDA, the leading European developer and producer of missile systems.
The details of the contract are not disclosed, but Khidasheli told the Rustavi 2 television that Georgian security was guaranteed after this deal had been signed and another contract had also been signed in Paris a few weeks ago.
“The main task was accomplished and we received a foundation for ensuring Georgian air defense security. This system is fully compatible with NATO standards and we have bought a system which is the most modern one in the world today,” Khidasheli said.
“From the financial point of view this is a very good contract and Frenchmen were extremely generous to us,” she said. “This was a political will of the French state towards its loyal partner – Georgia, which was fulfilled by two French companies,” Khidasheli said.
