KHARKIV, Dec. 6 – Ukraine is preparing to deliver the first batch of BTR-4 armored vehicles to Iraq in the middle of December under a large arms supply contract worth over $550 million struck in 2009, a source familiar with the details of the contract told Interfax-Ukraine.

"The production of the first batch of armored vehicles has nearly been completed, [and] delivery has been scheduled for mid-December," the source said.