The Iraqi government buys Russian T-90 tanks
The Iraqi army is reportedly planning to buy Russian-made T-90 tanks. This was conveyed by adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin for military technical cooperation, Vladimir Kozhin.
"An important contract for the purchase of large quantities of T-90 tanks, has been signed between Baghdad and tank manufacturers, Uralvagonzavod," Kozhin said during an interview with Russian media Izvestiya.
"I can not reveal the exact value of the contract, but the number of tanks to be purchased is quite large," he continued, as reported by ekurd on Thursday (20/7).
Uralvagonzavod in a number of occasions has indicated it will send 73 T-90S SK tanks to Iraq this year. The annual report for 2016 published in July by manufacturers mentions a contract with a "foreign customer 368", Iraq, which must be met by 2017.
The T-90S is the export version tagging of the tank, while "SK" stands for an export version meant for a unit commander.
The Iraqi defense ministry has also confirmed the purchase of the Russian tank. According to the Izvestiya report, shipping 70 T-90s will be followed by more shipments. Tank sales could amount to hundreds, with contract value of more than USD 1 billion.
EmoticonEmoticon