Ukroboronprom, Kazakhstan Engineering sign deal to produce BTR-4

KYIV, May 3 /UKRINFORM/. The Ukroboronprom State Concern and JSC Kazakhstan Engineering signed an agreement on joint production of the BTR-4 armored personnel carrier on May 3 in Astana, Kazakhstan, Ukroboronprom Director General Dmytro Perehudov said after the signing ceremony.

According to him, the launch of a joint production of BTR-4 with Kazakhstan is a new stage in bilateral cooperation. "I recall that at the end of 2011 we signed an agreement on joint activities in the repair of heavy armored vehicles at the facilities of Semey Engineering. "Today we have moved to a higher level - the production of the latest Ukrainian development - BTR-4," Perehudov emphasized.

"There will be 100 vehicles produced. 10 of them this year, and 90 - next year. The agreement is worth about USD 150 million," Perehudov noted.

He expressed confidence that entering the new - Kazakh market - will allow Ukraine to expand its presence in the region, particularly in the Russian market.

Perehudov does not rule out that in the near future an agreement could be signed for the supply of BTR-4 to another country. He noted that Ukraine confidently occupies third place in the world for the production of armored vehicles.

Kazakhstan Engineering President Bolat Smahulov said that Ukraine and Kazakhstan reached a higher level of bilateral cooperation. According to him, Ukraine will provide the supply of production lines and components for the joint production of BTR-4, as well as staff training.

"We are interested in the development of new joint projects, in particular for the production of large-caliber ammunition, navigation devices and in other areas of the defense industry. Ukraine offers convenient technological solutions and competitive pricing. Therefore, the bilateral cooperation between our two countries has good prospects," Smagulov noted.