Mexican integrated steelmaker Altos Hornos de Mexico (AHMSA) is currently performing tests to provide specialty steel to the Mexican Defense Ministry (SEDENA), local media said.
AHMSA is expected to provide high armor steel to be used in the production of military vehicles.
"We're making tests to produce steel that comply with the quality and armor levels the [local] Army requires for the use in the manufacturing of tactical armored vehicles," said the company's director general, Luis Zamudio.
Zamudio said the Mexican Army already has armored vehicles that use AHMSA's steel, but the company expects to sign a deal with the country's Army through SEDENA in 2017, so it can increase the steel it provides to the Mexican forces.
Currently, AHMSA works with the Mexico's Navy by providing 15,000 mt/year of steel, according to a media report.
Earlier this year, AHMSA inked a deal with the country's Navy to provide 4,000 mt of steel plate of marine use to build three vessels.