Multinational military exercise Noble Partner 2020 begins in Georgia

A cooperatively led multinational training exercise Noble Partner 2020 has commenced in Georgia.

This is the fifth iteration of the biannual exercise and is being held under the leadership of the Georgian Defense Force and US Army Europe at Vaziani and Camp Norio training areas.

Noble Partner 2020 seeks to improve battle readiness and interoperability of the forces in a multinational training environment.

In addition to Georgia and the US, military contingents from France, Poland and the UK will participate in the exercise.

US Army Colonel and defence attaché to Georgia Stephanie Bagley said: “This exercise is an incredible display of commitment of cooperation between the US and Georgia and between Georgia and Nato.

“It is an opportunity to hone our skills to work together as a coalition, to enhance interoperability, as well as to show our future cooperation.”

This year, military forces will carry out mechanised infantry manoeuvres, helicopter attack and medical evacuation operations with rotor-wing aircraft. The exercise will also include a combined arms live-fire exercise with all participating forces.

Georgian deputy chief of defence force Brigadier General Irakli Chichinadze said: “This exercise emphasises interoperability and coordination with our partnered nations and our defence forces, strengthens our military readiness and defence capabilities to build trust, cooperation and friendship.”

This year, Georgia has taken additional safety precautions due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The Georgian Ministry of Defense mandated a 14-day restriction of movement and required Covid-19 testing for personnel before entering the country. Additionally, testing for Covid-19 will be conducted during the exercise.

Notably, the Noble Partner 2018 exercise was held in August.