On April 30, Georgia commemorated the 34th anniversary of its Defense Forces, honoring the establishment of the nation’s modern military. The date marks the first conscription into the National Guard in 1991, following Georgia’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.
GD-elect President Mikheil Kavelashvili addressed service members at the Vaziani military base, expressing gratitude to the generals, officers, sergeants, and soldiers for their dedication to safeguarding Georgia’s independence, peace, and freedom.
Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani highlighted the evolution of the armed forces, noting that the 2018 constitutional reform unified Georgia’s military under the Georgian Defense Forces, integrating traditional values with modern capabilities.
Since their inception, the Georgian Defense Forces have participated in various conflicts, including the civil wars of the 1990s and the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, and have contributed to international missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The anniversary was marked by ceremonies across military bases, including in Senaki, where Kavelashvili joined Defense Forces leadership and soldiers to honor the occasion.
The Georgian Defense Forces, comprising the Land Forces, Air Force, National Guard, and Special Operations Forces, continue to play a pivotal role in national defense and international peacekeeping efforts.
