Georgia to Procure Israeli Assault Rifles

According to the Israeli online publication Globes, Georgia is to procure several hundreds of Tavor assault rifles from Israel Military Industries. Reportedly the decision was made during President Mikheil Saakashvili’s recent visit to Israel. Georgia will be the third country – after Israeli defence forces and the Indian army – to procure Tavors. According to the available information, the initial contract foresees equipping the special forces of the Georgian army with these rifles. Referring to unnamed Israeli defense sources, Globes reports that the setting up of an ammunition factory in Georgia is planned at a later stage.

The news of the procurement of Israeli assault rifles were reported by both Western and Israeli media sources last week; however, during the Georgian Independence Day military parade on May 26, 2004, the special forces of the Georgian Interior and Security Ministry Troops were already carrying Tavor rifles.