Russia France will build jointly new armoured infantry fighting vehicle in next few months 0207123.

"We have a project under the aegis of a Russian-French group for land forces, which I head," Sevastyanov said. "Now we are working on development of some vehicles with a French base but with Russian weapons and Russian turrets.”

“The vehicle should appear in the near future, around 18 months. We have a draft design and a model has been made," he added.

He said France is also interested in co-production, with Russia, of an armored personnel carrier to be sold to third countries.

It may also be used by the French or Russian armed forces, he said, adding that the new vehicle would have to meet both Russian and NATO standards.

Previous media reports have suggested that talks have taken place between Russia and French military vehicle manufacturer, Panhard, on purchasing VBL Panhard vehicles for Russia’s border guard service. The results of the talks have not been disclosed.

Sevastyanov also said Russia and the United States could cooperate in joint development of arms and military equipment. He did not mention any specific projects, only saying a “joint product” might be around in five to 10 years.