Georgia is currently hosting Agile Spirit 2025, a major NATO military exercise, even as critics question whether the country is drifting closer to Russia. Over 2,000 troops from around ten nations including the United States, Germany, Italy, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, and Moldova are taking part in drills designed to enhance regional security, interoperability, and readiness for modern hybrid threats.
Why Georgia Holds NATO Exercises Despite Domestic Concerns Over Its Western Alignment
Georgia’s government organized live-fire drills and joint operations, including a combined brigade exercise led by Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. These exercises take place at the vital Vaziani Military Base, located just outside Tbilisi and serving as a hub for NATO Georgia cooperation. It remains central to Georgia’s long-term goal of eventual NATO membership, even though political shifts have raised questions about its commitment to the West .
Despite criticism from domestic political groups and perceptions of a shift away from Western alignment, Georgia continues to honor its NATO partnership. The country has hosted regular drills under the Substantial NATO Georgia Package SNGP, initiated in 2014, and through the Joint Training and Evaluation Center in Krtsanisi, it supports regular NATO collaboration and training .
What Challenges Georgia Faces in Balancing NATO Ties and Regional Pressures
Georgia’s ruling alliance, Georgian Dream, has expressed skepticism about NATO enlargement, arguing it provokes neighboring Russia. Statements from senior Georgian officials suggest internal debate over the country’s future trajectory, especially after the 2024 elections triggered unrest and international criticism.
Georgia’s hosting of Agile Spirit 2025 proves that military cooperation with NATO remains a core part of its national security strategy. While internal politics may challenge perceptions of its Western alignment, the country holds firm to a path of regional integration, security collaboration, and preparation for future NATO membership.
The presence of foreign troops, live drills at Vaziani base, and high-profile training events provide reassurance both to domestic audiences and international partners that Georgia continues to value strategic ties with the West, even amid tricky political currents.
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