Russia Testing Italian Tank
MOSCOW, May 12 (RIA Novosti)
Russia
is testing Italy's Centauro wheeled tank and considering building it
under license, a representative of the Oto-Melara company which makes
the tank said on Saturday.
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"The first two machines with 105-mm and 125-mm guns are on trial at a Moscow Region proving ground," he said.
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Two more Centauros with 120-mm and 30-mm guns will also join the
trials in another six weeks. "The tanks will take part in laboratory,
driving and firing trials," the Oto-Melara representative said.
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When the trials are complete at the end of this year, Russia will
consider creating a joint venture for production of the tank with an
enterprise from the Russian military-industrial complex, he said.
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Russian truck maker Kamaz in Naberezhny Chelny could be involved in
the deal, according to a source in Russian arms sales holding
Rosoboronexport.
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Russia signed a deal with Italy in December for the semi-knocked down
assembly of 60 Lynx light multirole armored vehicles (LMV) from Iveco,
Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Sukhorukov said in January.
Oto-Melara, part of the Italian Finnmeccanica group, is part of the
CIO joint venture with vehicle manufacturer Iveco to make military
vehicles.
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Italy already has 400 Centauros in service. The 24 ton tank has a
four-man crew, top speed of 100 km/h (60 mph) and range of 800 km (500
miles). It has a main gun and two 7.62 mm machineguns.
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