Ukraine field testing new armored vehicle

KIEV, Ukraine, July 7 (UPI) -- Ukraine's Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau has completed production of a prototype up-armored BTR-4E armored personnel carrier.

According to Ukroboronprom, military units to receive the APC are now being trained on operation of the eight-wheeled vehicle.

Ukroboronprom, the state-owed company Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau has integrated with, said KMDB is has now getting ready to manufacture another new vehicle, which it is field testing for both the domestic and international markets.

The new combat vehicle, called the Dozer-B, has been undergoing firing tests in the country's Kharkov region in preparation of the launch of serial production.

"Force units of Ukraine do require this vehicle," said Oleksandr Katorgin, chief of the testing department of Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau. "It's mobile, maneuverable, and well protected."

Details on the new vehicle are scant but it is a light armored vehicle that can carry 11 people. The DOZER-B's fuel consumption is at least three times less compared to the same indicator of BTR-80 armored personnel carrier and operational costs are several times lower compared to BTR-80 used by Ukraine and other countries.