Ukrainian Arms Exports in 2010 Reach $1bn

Ukraine has exported almost $1bn worth of weaponry, according to data released by the State Service for Export Control.

The Kommersant newspaper quoted the release as saying, “The portfolio of contracts signed by state-run arms exporter Ukrspetsexport increased in value from $799.5bn in 2009 to $956.7bn in 2010.”

The weaponry, purchased by major buyers Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, included a total of 250 T-55 and T-72 tanks, Grad multiple rocket launchers and 122mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers.

Both countries also purchased 152mm 1S3 Akatsia self-propelled howitzers, D-30 howitzers, 82mm mortars and a variety of small arms, including 10,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles.

Ukrspetsexport former director Sergei Bondarchuk, however, disagreed with the data revealed by the government authority.