For the first time since it was introduced by the Soviet Union, the Kalashnikov assault rifle is to be replaced in Georgian military units - by the Israel Military Industries' (IMI) newest rifle, the ergonomic Tavor.
According to a report in Globes financial newspaper, Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili announced, during a visit to IMI last month, that the former Soviet republic will be buying several hundred Tavor rifles for its special forces. Senior IMI sources said the Georgian army planned to increase the order and obtain the weapon for other units, as well.
Thus, Georgia will become the second foreign state to purchase the Tavor for use in its military; India was the first.
In a related development, defense sources told Globes that Georgia was considering setting up an ammunition factory in the country, in cooperation with IMI.
The Tavor is a light, short, high performance rifle, which has been selected for use by IDF infantry units following extensive field tests conducted by one of the infantry's elite units. The Tavor is considered to be an optimum choice for army and special operations units. In addition to higher accuracy and reliability in comparison with competing weapons, the Tavor proved to be far more comfortable to operate. In overall assessments, the Tavor demonstrated its efficiency in mounted or dismounted movement, enabling rapid response and fast entry into all firing positions for all ranges. In urban terrain, the Tavor offers a unique feature as it is effectively operated with a single hand.
According to a report in Globes financial newspaper, Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili announced, during a visit to IMI last month, that the former Soviet republic will be buying several hundred Tavor rifles for its special forces. Senior IMI sources said the Georgian army planned to increase the order and obtain the weapon for other units, as well.
Thus, Georgia will become the second foreign state to purchase the Tavor for use in its military; India was the first.
In a related development, defense sources told Globes that Georgia was considering setting up an ammunition factory in the country, in cooperation with IMI.
The Tavor is a light, short, high performance rifle, which has been selected for use by IDF infantry units following extensive field tests conducted by one of the infantry's elite units. The Tavor is considered to be an optimum choice for army and special operations units. In addition to higher accuracy and reliability in comparison with competing weapons, the Tavor proved to be far more comfortable to operate. In overall assessments, the Tavor demonstrated its efficiency in mounted or dismounted movement, enabling rapid response and fast entry into all firing positions for all ranges. In urban terrain, the Tavor offers a unique feature as it is effectively operated with a single hand.