Ukrainian Military Might For Sale

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates -- State arms exporter Ukrspetsexport showed off its best selling items at a weapons exhibition in Abu Dhabi
Ukraine’s state arms exporter, Ukrspetsexport, displayed some of the country’s best-selling military equipment on Feb. 22 at the IDEX 2009 arms exposition in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.The Ukrainian-built BTR-4 armored personnel carrier, above, was one of many vehicles, aircraft, anti-aircraft systems and detection equipment showcased.Some 900 companies from 50 countries are taking part in the exposition which lasted through Feb. 26.Ukraine has in recent years ranked as one of the world’s top ten arms exporters.The country is estimated to have exported more than $1 billion worth of military equipment and technologies in 2008.Most of Ukraine’s arms are modified Soviet-era technologies.Experts say the biggest customers for military technologies offered by Ukraine are third world countries.