The decision of the U.S. State Department to sell the Javelin missiles to Georgia will strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and the weapon will be used solely for defensive purposes, Georgian officials stressed in their statements on November 21.

Deputy Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani said in his remarks to media that the decision “reflects the will of two sovereign nations and demonstrates the firm, strategic partnership” established between Georgia and the United States.

“It should be underlined that this military equipment is designed solely for strengthening the country’s defense capabilities and it can in no way be used for offensive purposes considering its technical features,” Zalkaliani added.

Parliamentary Defense and Security Committee Chair Irakli Sesiashvili echoed the Deputy Minister’s points, saying the decision was yet another demonstration of the U.S. trust to Georgia and of the bilateral cooperation in the defense field.

“This step will contribute to peace, stability: I would like to underline that this is one of the effective defense means, which is aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Georgia and the region,” Sesiashvili noted.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, an agency of the United States Department of Defense, under the State Department-endorsed deal Georgia is to purchase 410 Javelin Missiles, and 72 Javelin Command Launch Units, as well as the elements of logistics and program support. The decision is pending approval by the U.S. Congress, however.