U.S. Brings MRAPs to Georgia for Training Exercises The U.S. brought into Georgia 28 mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, or MRAP, for exercises to train Georgian troops as part of preparation for the Afghan deployment, the U.S. embassy in Tbilisi said on April 11. The embassy said in a brief statement, that the U.S. military would transport MRAPs by railway from Georgia’s Black Sea port of Poti to Krtsanisi Training Area outside Tbilisi from 10-12 April.

Georgia Tests Domestically Produced Drone Georgia unveiled a domestically produced, catapult-launched surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle during a test flight on April 10, observed by President Saakashvili. According to the Georgian Ministry of Defense drone can stay aloft for 8 hours and can fly up to 3,000 meters above the ground and reach a top speed of 160 km/h. MoD said the drone with its dual camera gimbal, photo and infrared camera, can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, coast guard and border patrol missions, as well as for civilian purposes.