Pak To Buy Ukrainian Tanks Rejected By India

India had rejected the T-80D tanks which Ukraine is now selling to Pakistan. The tanks were offered in 1991, first by the former Soviet Union and later by Ukraine, at a lesser compared to the $620 million that Pakistan pays for the tank.

The 320 tanks, technologically superior to the T-72 of India, that will be inducted into the Pakistan Army would shift the balance of power in desert warfare in favour of Pakistan, cavalry experts said.

In response, Indian T-72 fleet are being upgraded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at a cost of Rs 300 crore. The upgradation includes an advanced gun and fire control system to match the T-80s in some areas, the official said.

 

A DRDO official involved in tank development said the reason for the Indian rejection was the impending development of the Arjun main battle tank. The Arjun was supposed to be an advancement on the T-80 in some respects like speed and manoeuvrability. Now with Arjun still some years from deployment, turning down the T-80 offer does not look like a very good idea. Indias loss may be Pakistans gain, said the official.

Prime Minister Deve Gowdas visit to Moscow later this months is expected to touch upon the issue of arms sales to Pakistan by CIS countries. The tanks are definitely a matter of concern. In addition Russia has sold 12 Mi-17 attack helicopters in the past and a batch of Russian 82 T-85 tanks are believed to have come from China.

With Ukraine determined to fulfil its commitment to Pakistan, there seems little possibility of Russia being able to do anything to stop the deal.

A Ukrainian source said the crucial gun and fire control system, which Russia has reportedly refused to part with, would be built in Ukraine. The KHTJ factory in Kharkov, Ukraine is very competent and a technical solution to the Russian denial is being pursued.

When asked to comment on the Pak tank deal and its effect on Indo-Ukrainian relations, first secretary in the Ukrainian Embassy Thor I Pasko said India has a long-standing relationship with Ukraine in defence and civilian trade.

Maintenance support for certain defence hardware imported during the former Soviet Union and the Antonov AN 32 military transport planes was being provided by Ukrainian experts. The civilian trade itself was worth $350 million a year.

He said he could not comment on the specifics of the Pak tank deal as it was being handled by the Ukranian arms export agency. Ukraine, however, was looking to further both its defence as well as civilian trade ties with India.