ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The United Arab Emirates and Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport have signed an agreement for modernization of some the country's BMP-3s.
The contract for modernization of 135 of the amphibious infantry fighting vehicles in service with the Emirates' military is worth $74 million.
The upgrade is expected to modernize the vehicles to BMP-3M level, integrating a modern turbocharged 660 horsepower UTD-32 engine, an improved fire control system and upgraded armor package.
The main armament remains unchanged, with three coaxial weapons -- the 2A70 low-velocity 100mm gun, a 2A72 30mm automatic cannon and 7.62mm coax machine gun. The BMP-3M carries two additional 7.62mm machine guns mounted on hull and turret positions.
The United Arab Emirates is the largest international operator of BMP-3 vehicles. Between 1992 and 2000 about 600 BMP-3 were delivered by Russia to the country.
Details on the length of the contract, delivery schedules and other contract provisions weren't released.
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