The Acting Defense Minister Levan Izoria told lawmakers on June 20 that in the near future Georgia would receive the most modern, man-portable air defense system – FIM-92 Stingers – from the United States.
Izoria said that together with Javelins, the new systems would significantly empower the country’s self-defense capabilities.
Stinger (FIM-92) is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) developed by General Dynamics. The systems provide for high accuracy and enhanced air defense capabilities to the armed forces. Raytheon Missile Systems is the main manufacturer of the Stinger. The missile is also produced under license by EADS.
The shoulder-fired, fire-and-forget Stinger SAM system employs rolling airframe canard control concept. It is controlled by two operators under all weather conditions.
More than 30 Stinger missiles were successfully test-fired in 2014.
“Such support from the United States indicates that we have the right defense policy,” Izoria said.
20% of the Defense Ministry budget is being spent on armament, which is one of the key standards of NATO,” Izoria said and added that the defense budget of Georgia amounted to 2% of the Gross Domestic Product, which was also the NATO standard.
Izoria stated that his body had a long schedule, covering 2019-2025, over weaponry procurements, which he said would boost the country’s self-defense capabilities. (Agenda/Business World Magazine)
