Kyiv Prepares Tank Assault on Abu Dhabi

Ukrainian arms dealers and manufacturers, forced to ignore a dozen other military exhibits elsewhere in the world for want of funds, are placing special hopes in Idex. Its exhibition and sale, held once every two years, is considered one of the most prestigious primarily because this Persian Gulf region ranks among the most thriving weapons markets. Over the past five years the gulf states have spent some $10 billion on re-equipping their armies. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksandr Kuzmuk, planning to personally attend the exhibit, stated, using military parlance, that Idex will allow the domestic manufacturers to "expand their range of operations," but did not explain exactly how.

From informed sources it is known that the Malyshev Production Association (Kharkiv) is planning to show off its new T-84 tank, a modernized version of T-72 with a NATO standard gun, and a modernized armored personnel carrier. The Kharkiv manufacturers will offer such varied assortment for the first time, as this year's Idex is especially important for the enterprise in its struggle to win promising customers. The remaining 105 tanks will be shipped off to Islamabad (the Pakistani capital ordered 320 combat armored vehicles worth $650 million and the contract allowed Ukraine to enter the top ten world arms exporters). However, there is an actual opportunity to remain without further sizable orders. Industrial Policy Minister Vasyl Hureyev admitted as much, for no one knows what shipments will be ordered after Pakistan or how much Kyiv will benefit from expected Greek and Turkish orders for another 500 and 1,000 new tanks, respectively.

Ukraine also plans to display its military cargo aircraft, small and middle range warships, optical electronic, and radar equipment. According to statistics made public by Ukraine's number one government-run arms exporter, Ukrspetseksport, last year's sales amounted to $300 million compared to $237 million in 1997.