MOSCOW. Aug 2 (Interfax) - The Russian Defense Ministry is developing new-generation infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for the Airborne Troops (VDV), VDV Commander Lt. Gen. Vladimir Shamanov told journalists in Moscow on Monday.
"Currently, we are working hard with the General Staff and the government's defense industry commission to work out an ideology for a new five-to-seven-wheel fighting vehicle," he said.
The BMD-4M armored vehicle designed by the domestic industry does not meet the required standards yet, he said. "Today, the products being offered to us have not undergone a full set of checks for compliance with the requirements approved by the General Staff," he said.
Very soon, a prototype of the BMD-4M will be tested for explosion resistance and armor penetration, the commander said.
In the very near future, the main fleet of the VDV's armored vehicles will consist of BMD-4Ms and upgraded Sprut anti-tank guns, he said.
The specific dates for supplying BMD-4Ms to the troops have yet to be determined, Shamanov said. "There is no clear understanding on the time frame," he said.
Currently, BMD-2 vehicles account for 92% of all IFVs, he said. "Today, this is the main armored vehicle in the VDV," he said.