The News in Brief

Kobakhidze's Report Details Defense Modernization Efforts

Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia is continuing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities, including the development of unmanned and counter-unmanned systems, according to the government's annual report submitted to Parliament.

The report states that a large-scale project is underway to integrate and develop drone and counter-drone capabilities within the Georgian Defence Forces. As part of the initiative, authorities have established a Directorate for the Development of Unmanned and Counter-Unmanned Systems, as well as a specialized training and research school.

According to the report, military units are also being equipped with modern radio systems to improve battlefield command and control, communications, and information management. The Defence Forces continued to receive specialized communications vehicles and tactical radio stations during the reporting period.

The government said the armed forces were additionally supplied with cargo vehicles and light high-mobility transport vehicles aimed at improving the rapid deployment and mobility of maneuver units.

The report also notes that refurbishment and modernization work were carried out on aircraft as part of efforts to restore the Ministry of Defence's aviation fleet. Training and transport aircraft were upgraded, while helicopters and other aircraft underwent repairs and restoration.



Plea Deals Reached for Seven Defendants in Presidential Residence Case

Prosecutors have offered plea agreements to seven of the 12 defendants charged in connection with events near the Orbeliani Presidential Residence on October 4.

Prosecutor Lasha Tsqvitaria said the agreements were reached after the defendants admitted guilt and expressed remorse. Under the deals, the seven defendants will receive three-year suspended sentences and will be released once the court approves the agreements.

The defendants are charged with attempted seizure and blocking of a strategic or special-importance facility committed by a group, as well as participation in group violence.

According to Tsqvitaria, the examination of evidence has been completed, and the case has moved to the closing arguments stage. He added that several other defendants have also requested plea agreements, and prosecutors are considering those applications.

Five defendants remain outside the current agreements. Among them are individuals facing additional charges, including organizing group violence, organizing group actions, and publicly calling for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order.

The prosecution is expected to file a motion to separate the seven defendants' cases so that the plea agreements can be approved by the court.