Ethiopia Orders 200 Upgraded T-72s from Ukraine

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The Ethiopian Army already operates about 60 T-72s bought from Yemen Army surplus in 2003. Photo: Ethiopiaforums.com

Ethiopia has ordered more than 200 T-72 upgraded tanks from Ukraine, in a deal worth over US$100 million. State controlled arms exporter Ukrspecexport SC has signed the contract yesterday with the Defense Ministry of Ethiopia.

T-72s on the march. Based on the announced value of the deal, the upgraded Ukraine tanks are being sold at a bargain price of $500,000 a peace... Photo: DefenseWeb

 

The Ethiopian Army already operates about 60 T-72s bought from Yemen Army surplus in 2003. Photo: Ethiopiaforums.com

This order, expected to be delivered from Ukraine military surplus, is the largest export order Ukraine has signed in the past 15 years and also, one of the largest single deliveries of Main Battle Tanks in recent years.

The T-72s to be delivered to Ethiopia will be equipped with a new engine, have a suite of reactive armor and be capable of firing guided missiles through the main gun such as the 9K120 Svir (AT-11). The Ukrainians are expecting to get more value from the deal by supporting these tanks over their life span. Ammunition deliveries could further increase the value over time.

The Ethiopia Army already operates some 60 T-72s obtained from Yemen in 2003. In recent years the country has also increased the number of T-55 tanks available to ins mechanized units. Ethiopia has bolstered its military power to better deal with deteriorating security along its border with neighboring Eritrea and Somalia.

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