The Georgian Ministry of Defense (MOD) deems information released by certain media outlets about Georgia’s participation in Defender 2023 as ‘biased’ and yet another provocation.

The Ministry stated that the Defense Forces continuously participate in and host international exercises to strengthen combat capabilities. It stresses that “each year Georgia hosts joint, large-scale multinational Georgia-US exercises Worthy Partner and Agile Spirit.”

According to the Ministry, Georgia engaged in four international exercises this year involving NATO member and partner nations and plans to participate in many more by the end of the year.

As for the Defender 2023 exercise, the Ministry explained that “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 compatibility with NATO members and partner countries, sharing experience and improving professional skills.”

Georgia will not participate in the Multinational Exercise Defender 23, which begins on April 22.