MOSCOW [MENL] -- Russia has determined that the Middle East comprises a major defense market.

Officials said Rosoboronexport has slated the Middle East as a major customer for Russia's defense industry in 2006. They said Rosoboronexport has designated such countries as Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as major prospective customers.

The most likely market for Russia was in the sector of armored vehicles, including main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. Other sectors cited were air defense systems, naval equipment and light arms.

Rosoboronexport has designated the armored upgrade market as a leading option for Middle East states in 2006. The Russian state-owned arms export agency wants to modernize the T-72 tank, which has been exported in large quantities to such countries as Algeria, Iraq and Iran. Kuwait has 150 T-72 variants under the name M-84B.