TBILISI. Nov 29 (Interfax) - Javelin portable anti-tank missile systems, which Georgia plans to buy from the United States, are designed for defensive use, not for offensive operations, Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoriya said.
"I want to definitely state that Javelin is a part of an anti-tank system; it is not designed for offensive operations and has only a defensive designation," Izoriya told reporters on Wednesday in comments on the Russian Foreign Ministry's negative response to Georgia's possible purchase of Javelins.
"As for its political aspect, no piece of weaponry Georgia purchases will ever be directed against another country," he said, noting that he views Russia's concern as unfounded, because Georgia is pursuing a peaceful policy.
The U.S. Department of State approved the sale of Javelins to Georgia last week.
This is a business deal, not a grant or a credit extended by the American side, the U.S. embassy in Tbilisi said at the time.
These weapons "are absolutely defensive," it said.
They would cost around $75 million.
Georgian authorities earlier reported a desire to buy 410 missiles, 72 missile launchers, ten training systems, and 70 shells.
The American side is willing to provide technical maintenance and transport the systems to Georgia.