Georgia to Upgrade its Air-Defense System

(Tbilisi, August 27 2002, Civil Georgia) Georgian government plans to upgrade its air-defense system. For this purpose, Georgian side holds negotiations with Ukraine and Czech Republic.

According to Georgian Ambassador to Ukraine, in collaboration with Ukraine Georgia plans to repair its own equipment, train the cadre and purchase some new equipment.

After the August 23 bombardment, Georgian government had to speed up its plans for improving anti-aircraft system substantially. Georgian authority even intends to make changes in the current budget expenditures.

On August 26 , President Shevardnadze stated at the briefing that if bombardment repeats again, Georgia should do what each state have to. “We are not so poor to do nothing”, remarked president.