KHARKIV (Ukraine), June 18, 2018, Author: Galina Zdravkova, Photo: en.wikipedia.org (BTR-4E)

The Ukranian Malyshev Factory (formerly the Kharkiv Locomotive Factory), located in Kharkiv, Ukraine and part of the State Concern UkrOboronProm (Ukrainian Defence Industry), has started a new production line for BTR-4E experimental hulls, reported Shephard Media.

Malyshev Factory, named after the Soviet industrialist Vyacheslav Malyshev, was found in 1895 as the Kharkiv Locomotive Factory.

“After successful product manufacture and testing, the SE Malyshev Factory will receive a permit (qualification) for manufacturing. As a result of passing of all these stages, we will be able to begin mass production of hulls,” explained the Commercial Director of the Factory, Dmytro Kolesnikov.

The preparatory works for the production of the first batch of BTR-4E hulls are on-going. In that connection the basic materials are already received, as well as the relevant equipment.

The BTR-4 is a 8×8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier designed and manufactured in Ukraine. Its prototype was shown for the first time in June 2006 at the Aviasvit 2006 exhibition in Ukraine.

The Factory also has plans to produce hulls for the BTR-3E and for that purpose the preparatory works are initiated and stands and a roll-over machine have been purchased.

The BTR-3 is also an 8×8-wheeled armoured personnel carrier designed in the UAE and manufactured in Ukraine.