Paramount Group, Africa`s largest privately owned defence business and manufacturer of some of the best armoured vehicles in world will demonstrate why its revolutionary new infantry fighting vehicle is at the vanguard of new design and technology.

Visitors to stand 931 at International Armoured Vehicles, held at the Excel Centre, London, from 7 to 10 February 2011, will discover Mbombe - the real new breed of infantry fighting vehicle.

Branded the ‘holy grail’ of modern vehicle design, Mbombe (which is named after a famous African warrior) offers better protection against IEDs than most other vehicles currently used by NATO forces in Afghanistan, with a significant reduced target profile.

Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of the Paramount Group, said: “Europe is waking up to the fact that African manufacturers, scientists and engineers are producing world class products for the global defence sector. Defence experts and buyers are very excited by Mbombe. Many believe that this is the IFV that forces from across the world have been waiting for, whether engaged in peacekeeping or counter insurgency.”

“At Paramount Group we have the latest technology and innovation to deliver groundbreaking design to achieve our goal of being first at developing ‘new breed’ of armoured vehicles.

“We are attending International Armoured Vehicles 2011 to show the European market that Africa has a long tradition of armoured vehicle design, the skills and expertise to provide the very best in armoured vehicle technology, offering superb protection, reliability and affordability.”

Mbombe is six wheeled and has a lower profile than the US Army’s Cougar, using a revolutionary mine resistant flat hull. A move that takes vehicle design away from the traditional V-shaped hull, also a South African innovation.

Ichikowitz added: “South Africa’s defence industry has an established record at the cutting edge of mine protected vehicle design and development. Now Paramount Group is using its advanced research and development, harnessing the latest technology, to take that innovation to the next level and deliver a new breed of armoured vehicle to the global market.”

David McDonald Joyce, Paramount Group’s Business Development Director, will reveal more about the Group’s development of the next generation of mine protected vehicles on day one of the International Armoured Vehicles 2011’s Conference.

In a presentation entitled ‘Armoured Fighting Vehicle Capabilities in Combating Insurgencies and Winning the Peace’ starting at 17.30, he will discuss how the lessons and experience from modern conflicts around the world are shaping the future of vehicle development.

The Paramount Group has seen its sales increase by 20 percent year on year over the last five years, with its workforce doubling over the past 12 months to meet the demand for its range of mine protected vehicles.

Paramount Group
22.12.2010