Ukraine to sell Ethiopia 20 tanks worth $100 million

Ukraine to sell Ethiopia 20 tanks worth $100 million

2011-06-09 21:14:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

KIEV, UKRAINE (BNO NEWS) -- Ukraine on Thursday agreed to a deal with Ethiopia for the supply of more than 200 tanks for over $100 million (800 million Ukrainian Hryvnas), UKRINFORM news agency reported.

Ukrspecexport SC, the Ukrainian state-controlled arms exporter, signed a contract with the Defense Ministry of Ethiopia for 200 T-72 tanks. This was one of the largest contracts signed by the weapons exporter over 15 years of operation.

The tanks are a relatively new type of military hardware. The T-72 is equipped with a modernized power plant, guided weapons and armor system. The T-72 tank was originally produced in the Soviet Union n the 1970's. It was widely exported to many African, Asian and Middle Eastern states.

Ukrspetsexport expects that the contract will have major economic and social impact. The implementation of if will improve the capacity of the Ukrainian businesses, create jobs and increase revenues.

Furthermore, the state-run arms dealer will receive orders for repairs and upgrades of the supplied tanks to Ethiopia in the future which will also benefit other Ukrainian companies.

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