Georgian Air Force boosted by military assistance from US and Turkey (184 words)

Published: 10/26/2001

As part of a commitment by the then US Secretary of Defence William Cohen, in August 1999, Georgia has taken delivery of six US UH-1Hs at Alekseyevka air base to improve the country's border patrolling capability. The helicopter transfers, which took place on 23rd October mark another stage in US military assistance to Georgia, that now exceeds $14m since the programme started in 1998 and includes $10m for helicopters, $3.5m for pilot training, $0.42m for maintenance and $0.3m for the construction of a temporary hanger for helicopters. On 22nd September, Turkey delivered two UH-1Hs to Georgia and will provide the Georgian Air Force with fuel for helicopters over the next five years, in addition to two helicopters for spares, overhaul equipment, arms reserves for two years and a temporary hangar. US personnel will instruct local personnel in the operation of the helicopters in Georgia over the next year, in addition to training 11 pilots, 21 technicians and two dispatchers in the US.

Article ID: 2857