Russia will acquire ten Lynx light multi-role armoured vehicles (LMV) from Italy’s Iveco, according to Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.

“Russia would like to set up a joint venture to assemble LMVs in Russia after the purchase”, he added.

Italian Defence Minister Ignazio La Russa has confirmed the country’s readiness to transfer the production technology for LMV manufacture in Russia and their subsequent sales to CIS states.

Russia has been in talks over LMV assembly under licence at the Kamaz automaker in Naberezhnye Chelny, according to RIA Novosti.

The 6.5t LMV is a 4WD tactical vehicle with a payload capacity of 1,200kg, an operational range of 500km and can travel at a speed of 81mp/h.