Georgia Pushes Ukraine and Russia out of the Aviation Market

11 December, 2023 Mi-24 multi-role helicopters of the Hungarian Armed Forces under repair in Georgia, December 2023. Photo credits: Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing Georgian aircraft companies secured the majority of contracts for servicing Soviet-era equipment amid the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Militarnyi reported on this. With the military-industrial complexes of Ukraine and Russia fully occupied with government orders, Georgia is filling the void by servicing Soviet-era aircraft in Asia and Africa. For example, a local TV channel aired a report on the facilities of the Georgian aviation company Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing, showcasing helicopters and planes from five different countries.

Mi-17 multi-purpose helicopters of the South Sudan Air Force undergoing repairs in Georgia, December 23. Photo credits: Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing

Several types of planes and helicopters from different countries are undergoing major repairs and modernization at the Tbilisi facility. In particular, the following equipment:

• 5-6 Mi-24s of Hungary;
• 5 Mi-17s of the South Sudan Air Force;
• Mi-35 and Mi-8T from Djibouti;
• 3 Ka-27s from Azerbaijan;
• Su-25 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
• L-39 of the Georgian Air Force.

The Georgian company Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing has long been providing support and modernization services for Soviet-era aircraft for Congo, Chad, and Azerbaijan.

However, Ukrainian and Russian aircraft repair companies were the traditional contractors for Hungary, Sudan, and Djibouti.

Djibouti's Mi-35 helicopters undergoing repairs in Georgia, December 23. Photo credits: Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing

Djibouti's Mi-8T helicopters undergoing repair in Georgia, December 23. Photo credits: Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing

A Georgian Su-25 attack aircraft undergoing repairs in Georgia, December 23.

Photo credits: Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing

Ka-27 helicopters of Azerbaijan undergoing repair in Georgia, December 23. Photo credits: Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing

It is worth noting that there are no companies in Georgia that produce most of the spare parts and assemblies needed to repair the above mentioned equipment. Accordingly, the indirect involvement of Ukrainian and Russian exporters and manufacturers in the fulfillment of orders cannot be ruled out.

For example, currently, the main manufacturer of aircraft engines for the Mi-24, Mi-35, Mi-8 and Mi-17 families' helicopters is the Ukrainian company Motor Sich. As previously reported, the main Ukrainian players in the helicopter repair market are Konotop Aviation Repair Plant "Aviokon" and Motor Sich JSC. Meanwhile, Ukrainian companies will partially continue to support foreign customers.

Thus, according to the sources of The Economic Times, Ukraine will send engines and spare parts for Mi-17 helicopters to Pakistan.