MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry has purchased several hundred T-72B3 tanks, vice-chairman of Russia's Military-Industrial Commission board Oleg Bochkaryov told TASS in an interview.

"Yes, is a contract of the Defense Ministry that has been signed with the Uralvagonzavod [major Russian tank manufacturer]. It includes several hundred combat vehicles. Those tanks during international competitions proved to the whole world how practical it is in speed and combat specifications."

The T-72B3 tank is a modernized T-72, a major battle tank of its generation taken into service in 1974. The modernized version features new communication systems, fire control system and a more powerful engine.

The T-72B3 is the main tank of tank biathlon competitions.