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<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">ReutersIndian Army's T-90 Bhishma tanks take part in a full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi January 23, 2015.</div></div></div>Russia exported approximately $15 billion worth of weapons to 53 countries around the world in 2017, AFP <a href="http://www.france24.com/en/20180207-russia-sold-15-billion-worth-weapons-2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> in February, citing Alexander Mikheev, the CEO of Rosoboronexport.About $6.14 billion of that $15 billion was of major weaponry, including military aircraft, ships, armored vehicles, guided munitions, and more, <a href="http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/values.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. SIPRI is an independent research group that collects detailed data on major weapons transfers, including the countries they're exported to and imported from. Nearly $4 billion of the $6.14 billion exported was of military aircraft, SIPRI reported. While SIPRI's data doesn't include unguided munitions, small arms, and other equipment, it's "pretty representative" of which countries are buying the most weaponry as a whole from Russia, Siemon Wezeman, a senior researcher at SIPRI, told Business Insider. Here are the 10 countries that bought the most major weaponry from Russia in 2017:

The top 10 countries that bought Russia's most powerful weapons in 2017

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> and <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> have both invested in their armored forces since the 1962 war on their disputed border in the <keyword id="52569" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword>.</li><li>The armor that both sides fielded during another recent period of heightened tension on that border show that a future war could be more destructive.</li></ul>Two months ago, the Indian and Chinese militaries <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56147309" target="_top">pulled back</a> their forces stationed around Pangong Lake, on their disputed border in the western Himalaya mountains.The pullback, described as a "disengagement" by India's Defense Ministry, was meant to be a first step to ease tensions on the disputed border - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/satellite-photos-show-border-buildup-after-deadly-china-india-clash-2020-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">swaths of which have been heavily militarized</a> since 20 Indian and at least <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-acknowledges-deaths-in-indian-border-clash-for-first-time-2021-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">four Chinese soldiers died</a> in a medieval-style brawl in the nearby Galwan River Valley almost a year ago.<div type="image" title="India China troops soldiers Pangong Ladakh border" height="720" width="960" msid="82407120" hostid="261"></div>The Indian Army <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/1361600793678241794" target="_top">released</a> photos, videos, and <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/1362660165208530945" target="_top">aerial images</a> of the pullback, showing Chinese troops dismantling bunkers, removing tents, and evacuating the area.The most interesting images, though, were the ones that showed the large number of <keyword id="71883" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tanks">tanks</keyword> and <keyword id="3160282" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="armored-vehicles">armored vehicles</keyword>. Indian media <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/china-surprises-india-with-pace-of-withdrawal-pulls-out-200-tanks-in-2-days-101613088444899.html" target="_top">reported</a> that China alone withdrew 200 tanks from the area.The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amid-border-dispute-tensions-how-china-and-india-militaries-compare-2020-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sheer sizes of the armored forces indicates</a> that both sides were quite serious about their military buildups, and that the next violent incident on the border <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-general-warns-china-border-dispute-could-escalate-to-war-2020-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">could escalate into something far more deadly</a>.<h2>Armor in the Himalayas</h2><div type="image" title="Indian military trucks in Ladakh" height="1333" width="2000" msid="82407121" hostid="261"></div>In general, large-scale armor deployments in mountainous and high-altitude regions are rare, especially in the Himalayas.The low air pressure, freezing conditions, and rough terrain make operating and maintaining such vehicles difficult and often lead to losses from wear and tear or mechanical failure.Tanks and armored vehicles have to be restarted for up to 30 minutes every two or three hours to prevent them from freezing, <a href="https://thewire.in/security/india-china-pullback-pangong-tso-winter" target="_top">according to one retired Indian general</a>.That operational challenge is believed to have been a significant factor in both countries' decisions to pull back their armor from Pangong Tso.<div type="image" title="India China troops soldiers Pangong Ladakh border" height="1333" width="2000" msid="82407122" hostid="261"></div>"These operational issues simply cannot be ignored either by Beijing or Delhi for a variety of operational reasons that are common to both forces," a high-ranking Indian Army officer <a href="https://thewire.in/security/india-china-pullback-pangong-tso-winter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told The Wire</a>.That is also the reason armor - and aircraft, for that matter - played a very limited role in the <a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Lessons_of_History_The_Chinese_Peopl/BLUtKP-JpgsC?hl=en&amp;gbpv=0pv=0" target="_top">month-long war</a> India and China fought in the region in 1962. During that war, India <a href="https://swarajyamag.com/defence/when-india-airlifted-tanks-to-ladakh-to-halt-the-invading-chinese-army" target="_top">airlifted</a> six AMX-13 light tanks to an area just south of Pangong Tso, but the feat was extremely difficult, and there were no large-scale tank battles.The 1962 war itself was an embarrassment for India, which had over 8,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured, or missing and lost the territory Aksai Chin to China. China lost 722 soldiers killed and 1,697 wounded.<h2>Modern tank forces</h2><div type="image" title="India army Arjun tank beach Chennai" height="1333" width="2000" msid="82407123" hostid="261"></div>Both India and China set about building up their militaries after the 1962 war.Today, India's tank force is made up primarily of three models. Two of them, the <a href="https://guardingindia.com/china/exclusive-why-are-the-indian-army-trusting-t-72-ajeya-tanks-for-lac/" target="_top">T-72 "Ajeya"</a> and <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-indias-t-90m-bhishma-tank-russian-tech-indian-made-136987" target="_top">T-90 "Bhishma"</a> main battle tanks (MBTs), are built in India using Russian designs. The third, the <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-what-is-the-arjun-main-battle-tank-mk-1a-7188226/" target="_top">Arjun</a>, is of Indian design.The Russian tanks, designed to operate in the cold, make up most of India's fleet of about 4,000 tanks. The Arjun has had a <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-indias-army-hates-its-homemade-arjun-tank-119911" target="_top">troubled rollout</a>, and only 124 are in service.China's People's Liberation Army, or PLA, maintains a large number of legacy models from the Cold War, like the Type 59, Type 69, and Type 80/88 tanks, but China's tank force is centered on three modern models: the <a href="https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2017/12/20/the-pla-loves-its-thousands-of-type-96-tanks/" target="_top">Type 96</a> and <a href="http://www.military-today.com/tanks/type_99.htm" target="_top">Type 99</a> MBTs, and the new <a href="http://www.military-today.com/tanks/ztq_15.htm" target="_top">Type 15</a>.While the Type 96 and Type 99 are MBTs, the Type 15 is one of the few light tanks developed this century.<div type="image" title="China army type 99 tank Army Games Russia" height="1334" width="2000" msid="82407126" hostid="261"></div>The Type 96 and Type 99 weigh about 42 tons and 54 tons, respectively, and are armed with 125 mm guns, whereas the Type 15 weighs just 35 tons and has a 105 mm gun.By comparison, India's T-72, T-90, and Arjun tanks weigh about 41 tons, 46 tons, and 68 tons, respectively. The T-72 and T-90 are armed with 125 mm guns and the Arjun with a 120 mm.Despite being smaller and under-gunned, the Type 15 is far more capable in the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas than its Indian counterparts.The Type 15 is just one of the PLA's <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1190083.shtml" target="_top">numerous new weapon systems</a> designed with mountain operations in mind, and China has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-FeziqiLA" target="_top">shown </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-FeziqiLA" target="_top">it</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-FeziqiLA" target="_top"> off in a number of live-fire drills</a> in Tibet.Both the PLA's Xinjiang and Tibet military commands have <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202102/1214633.shtml" target="_top">received</a> Type 15s. They have also been deployed to the Sino-Indian border, <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-india-deploys-t-72-t-90-tanks-infantry-combat-vehicles-along-lac-in-eastern-ladakh-2845676" target="_top">as have</a> India's T-72 and T-90s.<h2>At the 'roof of the world'</h2><div type="image" title="India China tanks armor Pangong Ladakh border" height="1332" width="2000" msid="82407127" hostid="261"></div>The <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/1361600793678241794" target="_top">images</a> and a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF9ZfCggVOM" target="_top">video</a> released by the Indian military appear to indicate that the pullout around Pangong Tso was a coordinated event in which tanks were purposely shown to withdraw one at a time.Indian T-72 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/1361614678284140544/photo/1" target="_top">can be seen</a> on the Indian side of the border, as can a number of small fighting positions and foxholes.The Chinese armored force that can be seen is more diverse. A few of the tanks <a href="https://twitter.com/PBNS_India/status/1361612912062730243/photo/2" target="_top">appear</a> to be legacy models, likely Type 80/88s. There <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/in-pics-indian-chinese-troops-disengage-from-pangong-lake-951782#5" target="_top">also appear</a> to be several modern models, most likely Type 96s or Type 99As.<a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/in-pics-indian-chinese-troops-disengage-from-pangong-lake-951782#6" target="_top">Another image</a> shows at least 12 Chinese <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_chinese_light_armored_armoured_vehicle_uk/zbd-04_zbd97_armoured_infantry_fighting_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_information_uk.html" target="_top">ZBD-04 IFVs</a> and three other armored vehicles, possibly tracked variants of the <a href="http://www.military-today.com/missiles/hq_17.htm" target="_top">HQ-17</a> short-range surface-to-air-missile system, <a href="https://www.armyrecognition.com/china_artillery_vehicles_and_weapon_systems_uk/pgz-07_twin_35mm_self-propelled_anti-aircraft_gun_data_sheet_specifications_description_pictures.html" target="_top">Type 09</a> self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery units, or a combination of both.It's unclear if the tanks and IFVs were always deployed so close to one another or if they were only brought forward for verification during the disengagement.What is clear is that both sides are far more mechanized, capable, and lethal than they were in 1962.The pullback from Pangong Tso has not been followed by additional pullbacks in other contested areas, as was originally hoped. Recent reporting <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3131031/china-india-border-dispute-was-new-delhis-pull-out-pangong-tso" target="_top">suggests</a> some Indian officials may regret pulling back from a strategically important area with little to show for it.Despite the difficult conditions in a region known as the "roof of the world," flare ups along the border are still a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55793112" target="_top">real possibility</a>.With so much heavy hardware present, future fighting in the area could be much deadlier than before.

Photos of tanks and armored vehicles in the Himalayas show that China and India's next border showdown could be much deadlier

India's military might and rich cultural diversity were in full display during the dazzling 68th <keyword id="6416557" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Republic-day">Republic Day</keyword> celebrations in the national capital which had Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the Chief Guest. 
 
Light rains and overcast skies failed to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators who witnessed the nearly one-and-half hour-long parade that marched down the majestic Rajpath, India's ceremonial boulevard, amid unprecedented security cover. 
 
 major highlight of the parade was 149-member marching contingent from UAE comprising personnel from Presidential Guards, the Air Force, the Navy and Army. They were led by a band comprising 35 musicians from that country. 
 Al Nahyan, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, was seated next to Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> who wore a pink color 'safa' (turban). The two leaders were seen sharing some light moments. 
 
 For the first time a contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG), popularly known as the Black Cat Commandos, was part of the march past. 
 
The parade also saw the fly-past of three LCA Tejas Aircraft flying at a height of 300 metres in 'Vic' formation and the Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&amp;C) developed by DRDO. 
 
 The Indian Army's missile firing capability T-90 'Bhishma' tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Weapon Locating Raddar 'Swathi' and Akash Weapons System and Dhanush Gun System were among the main draw in the mechanised columns. 
 Alongside the Crown Prince, the ceremonial parade was watched by Vice President <keyword id="6491214" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hamid-Ansari">Hamid Ansari</keyword>, former Prime Minister <keyword id="6359397" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manmohan-Singh">Manmohan Singh</keyword>, Congress chief <keyword id="689" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonia-Gandhi">Sonia Gandhi</keyword> and the country's top political and military brass, besides the diplomatic community. 
 
Tableaux from 17 states and Union Territories and six central ministries and departments showcased the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of the country. Goods and Services Tax (GST) was the the theme of the tableau of Central Board of Excise and Customs. 
 
21 of the 25 children who won the National Bravery Award also participated in the parade. Four children have received the award posthumously. 
 
 The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force which displayed various formations like 'Chakra' and 'Vic' leaving the spectators spell-bound. The 'Hercules' formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft also drew loud cheers. 
 The theme of IAF tableau was "Air Dominance Through Network Centric Operations" and it displayed the scaled down models of Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, AWACS, UAV, Apache and Communication <keyword id="6358065" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Satellite">Satellite</keyword>. 
 
 The Indian Navy's tableau showcased the lethal Marine Commandos proceeding for action, the indigenously built Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class next generation attack submarines. It also showcased a model of the P-8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft. 
 
As per tradition, after unfurling the National Flag, the National Anthem was played followed by a 21 gun salute. 
 
Read more at: 
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/56792712.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst

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The top 10 countries that bought Russia's most powerful weapons in 2017

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Photos of tanks and armored vehicles in the Himalayas show that China and India's next border showdown could be much deadlier

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Here's how India celebrated its 68th Republic Day

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