A representative of Italian company OTO Melara told RIA-Novosti that two armored vehicles of the Centauro type produced by the firm are already in Russia and are being tested, and Russia can purchase a license for their production.
A source in the Defense Ministry said the Russian military has long been interested in the vehicle and confirmed that they are being tested at a ministry range.
The Centauro can be used as an armored personnel carrier or be equipped with towers mounted with 105-millimeter and 120-millimeter firearms. Armed versions are being tested in Russia, RIA-Novosti said.
If the vehicles meet the requirements of the Russian military, it may inquire about building them in Russia under license, as is now being done with Iveco Lynx light armored vehicles that participated in the military parade in Moscow on May 9.
The Oboronservis holding in Voronezh, which is controlled by the Defense Ministry, plans to build more than 1,700 Lynx vehicles, including 150 vehicles this year. The Centauro would also be assembled in factories controlled by the Defense Ministry, a source said.
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