Georgia Military Forces

Strategic Position

Georgia’s defense posture is defined by its proximity to the Russian Federation and the ongoing occupation of approximately 20% of its internationally recognized territory, specifically the regions of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia). This territorial division remains the primary driver of national security policy and military planning.

The state maintains a constitutionally enshrined goal of membership in NATO and the European Union. While Georgia is designated as a NATO "aspirant country" and participates in the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP), political developments in 2025 led to the suspension of several cooperation initiatives, including those related to strategic communications and cybersecurity. Despite these setbacks, bilateral defense cooperation remains a priority, particularly through the Georgia Defense and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative (GDDEI) with the United States.

Regional security is managed through trilateral cooperation with Turkey and Azerbaijan, focusing on the protection of energy infrastructure and regional stability. Georgia’s defense doctrine centers on the "Total Defense" model, which emphasizes a whole-of-society approach to national resistance and territorial integrity.

Military Forces

The Georgian Defense Forces (GDF) are organized under the Ministry of Defense, with the Chief of Defense Forces overseeing a unified command structure. The primary branches include the Land Forces, Air Force, Special Operations Forces, and the National Guard. Georgia does not maintain a standing navy; maritime security is the responsibility of the Coast Guard, which operates under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Active-duty personnel is capped at 37,000 for 2026, a figure that has remained consistent with prior years. The Land Forces are divided into Eastern and Western Commands. Key equipment includes T-72 main battle tanks and BMP-series infantry fighting vehicles. Artillery capabilities are centered on Dana self-propelled howitzers and RM-70 multiple rocket launchers. Anti-armor capabilities have been modernized with the procurement of Javelin missile systems.

The Air Force focuses on close air support and transport, operating modernized Su-25 attack aircraft and a fleet of UH-1H and Mi-8 helicopters. Air defense is provided by a mix of mobile systems, including Mistral and Stinger man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), alongside Spider short-range surface-to-air missile systems.

Special Operations Forces (SOF) are prioritized for high-readiness tasks and international interoperability. The National Guard oversees the reserve system, which underwent significant restructuring in 2025 to transition toward a more active and mobilization-ready force.

Defense Industry

Georgia maintains a domestic defense industrial base centered on the state-owned Scientific-Technical Center (STC) Delta. This entity is responsible for the research, development, and production of various military systems aimed at increasing self-sufficiency in specific sectors.

Notable products include the Didgori family of armored vehicles, which includes armored personnel carriers, medical evacuation variants, and reconnaissance platforms. STC Delta also produces the G5 assault rifle, various mortars (60mm, 82mm, and 120mm), and personal protective equipment such as ballistic vests and helmets.

The domestic industry has expanded through joint ventures, including the co-production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with Polish partners and the assembly of AR-15 based firearms in collaboration with Israeli firms. Georgia also maintains facilities for the overhaul and modernization of Soviet-designed aircraft, such as the Su-25.

Strategic Trends

The 2026 defense budget is projected at approximately 1.9 billion GEL, representing a steady increase from the 1.73 billion GEL allocated in 2025. A significant portion of this growth is directed toward a 10% salary increase for military personnel and the improvement of defense infrastructure.

Current procurement priorities focus on enhancing anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities through the acquisition of additional anti-tank and air defense systems. Modernization efforts also include the integration of domestic and foreign UAV technologies for surveillance and strike roles.

A major doctrinal shift involves the implementation of a new defense code in 2025, which introduced a randomized electronic selection process for national conscription. This reform is designed to ensure that all conscripts serve exclusively within the Defense Forces rather than in auxiliary roles in other ministries. Challenges remain regarding the long-term sustainment of Soviet-era platforms and the need to align technical standards more closely with NATO requirements amidst a shifting domestic political landscape.