Ukraine is likely to supply its first batch of military equipment in 2010. Ukraine and Iraq have concluded a $550 million contract on supplies of Ukrainian military equipment to Iraq. Oleksandr Kovalenko, the first deputy director general of the Ukrspetseksport state special export company,said this at a news briefing.

According to him, Ukrspetseksport concluded the contract with Iraqi companies some two months ago.

Oleksandr Kovalenko said the contract envisages supplies of over 400 units of armored vehicles within 3-3.5 years, some ten aircraft An-32, and provision of services to the Iraqi side on repair and upgrade of aircraft.

"To date, a contract has been signed on supplies of BTR-4 and An-32 planes. We hope there will be supplies of Oplot tanks," he said.

He said Ukraine is likely to supply its first batch of military equipment in 2010.