The Indian contract with Russia for 124 completed T-90S main battle tanks, followed by 186 Semi Knocked Down and Completely Knocked Down kits, has been well-covered in the press. However, Defense Minister Fernandes let slip a new twist - in a 19 December press release, he mentioned the indigenous production of 1000 T-90S would follow once the imported kits are finished. This production would last up until 2012. The state-of-the-art tanks would presumably replace many of the ancient T-55s still serving in Indian Armor regiments. Only two Regiments of the indigenously-made "ARJUN" main battle tank will be acquired. - Adam Geibel