Russia has begun delivery of a first bath of the T-90S main battle tanks (MBTs) to Iraq under a 2014 government-to-government contract.

According to the contract, Iraq had ordered 73 T-90S and T-90SK tanks with a special vehicle for repair and transported.

Early, the improved variant of the T-90S tank with desert camo of the Iraqi Armed forces was spotted at the UralVagonZavod. The new tanks featured a number of survivability upgrades over existing T-72B3 and BMPT tank support combat vehicle. The tank is equipped with an automatic system for locates directions of laser emissions from laser guidance systems and laser rangefinders.

More: First batch of new T-90 tanks for Iraq spotted at UralVagonZavod’s facility

The T-90S is the latest development in the T-series of Russian tanks and represents an increase in firepower, mobility and protection. It is manufactured by Uralvagonzavod in Nizhnyi Tagil, Russia.

More: Pakistan starts evaluation process of new Chinese VT4 tank

The T-90SK is a command tank designed to provide command and control over subordinate units, facilitate communications with superior commanders, and conduct operations as part of units and subunits. This command tank is a derivative of the T-90S tank and is distinguished by an R-168-100KBE HF radio set, TNA-4-3 tank navigation equipment set and PAB-2M aiming circle.