Ukroboronprom speeding up BTR-4 rollout

KIEV, Ukraine, May 26 (UPI) -- Ukrainian defense concern Ukroboronprom announced Wednesday it is speeding up production of the BTR-4 armored personnel carrier.

Combined capacities at the Zhytomyr Armored Plant means the concern can strengthen the country's army faster with the eight-wheeled vehicles, according to a Ukroboronprom statement.

Plant specialists are mastering hull production, with BTR-4s coming next, Ukroboronprom said.

The plant has already developed technical documentation for the vehicles, and is in the midst of planning state tests and deliveries for the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard and other law enforcement agencies, in order to strengthen the country's defenses.

"Modern and powerful light-armored vehicles of Ukrainian production will be delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine faster," said Roman Romanov, Ukroboronprom's director general.

The vehicle is an entirely Ukrainian development, and it features a mix of speed and protection for the crews.

Nearly 80 such vehicles were deployed with the Ukrainian army during conflicts with Russia in the country's east, Ukroboronprom said.

Ukroboronprom is also developing frameworks for a program that will lead to high-tech manufacturing to NATO standards.

Subsidiary Kyiv Armored Plant announced the delivery earlier this month of six BTR-3EID armored personnel carriers to the country's national guard.