Ministry of Defence issues statement regarding participation of Georgian Defence Forces in multinational exercise “Defender 2023”.

“The Ministry of Defence of Georgia is echoing the information spread by certain media outlets and individuals with a political agenda about the participation of the Georgian Defence Forces in the multinational exercise “Defender 2023” organized by the US European Command.

Unfortunately, the mentioned biased information represents another provocation towards the Ministry. We explain to the public that the Defence Forces constantly participate in and host international exercises to increase combat capabilities.

Among them, every year it hosts the joint, large-scale multinational exercises of Georgia and the USA, such as “Worthy Partner” and “Strong Spirit”. From 2022, relevant planning activities have already started for the successful implementation of the exercise “Strong Spirit 2023”.

Moreover, together with NATO members and partner countries, this year the Ministry participated in 4 international exercises. In particular, in Turkey (WINTER 23), Germany (DYNAMIC FRONT 23), Slovakia (SLOVAK SHIELD 23) and the Netherlands (STEADFAST COBALT 23). Exercises are also scheduled during this year in Turkey (EURASIAN PEACE 23; ANATOLIA; ERCYIES), Estonia (SPRING STORM 23), Poland (CWIX 23), Bulgaria (IMMEDIATE RESPONSE 23), Romania (SABER GUARDIAN 23), England (SEA BREZZE 23), Germany (SABER JUNCTION 23; COMBINED RESOLVE 19), Azerbaijan (CAUCASIAN EAGLE 23; ETERNITY 23), Italy (SJEx/STEADFAST JACKAL) and Georgia (MAPLE ARCH 23), in which the Georgian military will be involved.

As for the participation in the “Defender 2023” exercise, based on the goals and objectives of the Defence Forces, through active communication with our main strategic partner and their recommendation, it was decided to direct more efforts and resources at international and local exercises more oriented to increasing combat readiness and mutual compatibility with NATO members and partner countries, sharing experience and improving professional skills”, - reads the statement.