Article Posted on : - Mar 14, 2011

VBL Panhard Light armoured vehicle

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is planning to buy 500 light armored vehicles from the French military manufacturer Panhard to guard its borders, a media report said.

According to RIA Novosti reports, “Negotiations are being held on [the purchase of] 3.1-ton light armored vehicles Vehicule Blinde Leger on a 4x4 wheel platform," the Center for the Analysis of the World Arms Trade said on its website, citing Panhard Chairman Christian Mons.

Russia is likely to sign the vehicle contract worth $260 million, the statement said.

Russia is also continuing talks with France on a $2 billion contract to buy Mistral class helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy, it said.