UKRAINIAN-PAKISTANI TANK SALE CONTRACT SIGNED.

Pakistani officials announced yesterday the signing of a contract to buy "more than 300" Ukrainian-made T-80 UD battle tanks for $550 million. Delivery is scheduled to be completed within three years, with the first batch due early next year. (Reuter, July 31). Produced at the Malyshev tank plant in Kharkiv, described as the ex-USSR’s largest, this up-to-date tank has reportedly not yet entered full-scale serial production. Pakistan’s purchase is its first major one from an ex-Soviet country and also underscores its regional rivalry with India, a traditional Soviet and now Russian arms client.

Seven is Enough, for Now.