Georgia: US-led 'Noble Partner' military drills underway just outside Tbilisi

US and Georgian soldiers kicked off their joint military exercises at Vaziani military base near Tbilisi on Monday. Dubbed 'Noble Partner,' the drills are set to last for two weeks. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Georgian Defence Minister Tina Khidasheli were present at the base to meet troops from both the US and Georgia. The two watched proceedings, which consisted of planes dropping parachuting troopers from the sky and Medieval battle re-enactments including sword fighting. Around 600 US and Georgian troops are taking part in the exercises. A mechanised infantry company from the '1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division' make up most of the US soldiers taking part. Additional forces from the 173rd Airborne Brigade are also participating in the drills, which consist of field training and live fire exercises among other drills. According to the Georgian Defense Ministry, 14 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) have now been delivered to the military base in Vaziani.