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First batch of Ukrainian tanks arrives in Thailand

KIEV, February 05. /ITAR-TASS/. The first batch of Ukrainian tanks “Oplot” has arrived in Thailand, Ukrainian Special Export’s press service reported on Wednesday, February 5.

“The five tanks have arrived at the port of Sattahip, Thailand. They have been discharged and sent to a test site,” the press service said.

In November 2013, representatives of the company and the Thai army signed an acceptance certificate.

The tank was put into service by the Ukrainian army in 2009. The contract signed by Ukraine and Thailand on supplies of 49 “Oplot” tanks amounting to over $200 million was implemented in April 2012. According to specialists, the tank contract was among the 10 key contracts concluded by the Ukrainian military-industrial complex.

Ukrspetsexport reported that from 2006 the parties had signed contracts on supplies of Ukrainian armored vehicles to Thailand at the sum of over $500 million.

Ukraine’s “Oplot” tanks will replace the outdated US M41A3 tanks. Earlier, Ukraine sent the BTR-3E1 armored personnel carriers to Thailand.

According to the United Nations data, from 1992 Ukraine exported about 1,300 tanks, including 320 tanks to Pakistan, 223 tanks to Azerbaijan and 150 tanks to Congo.

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