This period also brought an end to the superpower blocs, and the military industries of Russia and Ukraine are now vying to sell tanks worldwide.

Businessmen familiar with the arms trade said Cardoen had tried, and failed, to sell tanks to either Honduras or El Salvador.

But Brazilian arms companies also have a history of selling aircraft, tanks and other weapons to countries such as Iraq.

The Soviets sold tanks and other armaments for Spanish gold, and sent well-trained officers and political commissars.

And along with Czechoslovakia, Russia has sold T-72 tanks to Syria.

Russia is also selling tanks and tank technology to Beijing.

An obviously pleased senior defense official told Trud that it was the best commercial year for the ministry since it sold tanks to Yemen in 1994.

One such company is Vickers, which sells tanks to Riyadh.

Recent published reports indicate that Russia is considering selling Algeria new MIG fighters as well as tanks and other military equipment.

The Siberian city of Omsk has claimed the right to sell tanks and military hardware.