STUTTGART, Germany (Aug. 29, 2016) – U.S. Marines alongside NATO allies and partners from the Baltics and Black Sea regions amass armored forces in the Republic of Georgia during a security exercise.

Forces from Georgia, Ukraine, Latvia, Romania and Bulgaria converged on the city of Akhaltsikhe to demonstrate their collective defense of Europe’s eastern flank.

“The exercise provides the platform to train Georgian military units in combined arms operations in the multinational environment,” said Col. Malkhaz Makardaze, commander of the Georgian Training and Military Education Command.

Georgian tanks and Marine armored vehicles, which provide a critical defensive capability, are conducting several integrated live-fire training events. 

Anti-armor capabilities will also be demonstrated using the TOW missile system among other weapons.

Exercise Agile Spirit 16 is an annual exercise improving cooperation between participating nations to enhance regional security.