UAE Ministry of Defence Announces Procurement
The UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the acquisition of Paramount Group’s newly launched MBOMBE 4 armoured personnel carrier (APC) on the first day of IDEX in Abu Dhabi, the company stated on 18 February.
This is the first order for the 4×4 version of the MBOMBE family of vehicles, drawing on the heritage of the MBOMBE 8×8, now in production following its launch in 2016, and the MBOMBE 6×6, which has entered service. It completes the family of combat vehicles, designed to meet increasing demand for outstanding protection, yet versatility in conventional and asymmetric warfare, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.
Harnessing Paramount’s proven portable manufacturing model, the MBOMBE 4 is fully industrialised, allowing for efficient manufacturing in customer locations around the world, The platform offers very high levels of ballistic and mine protection (crew compartment STANAG 4569-Level 3, blast protection STANAG 4569-Level 4a & 4b) and protection against a 50kg TNT side blast or IED/roadside bomb. Its appliqué armour packages can provide higher levels of ballistic protection (up to level 4) and mine protection, as required by the customer.
Other key features of the MBOMBE 4 include a burst speed of 140km/h, ensuring exceptional levels of mobility, a unique rear-door ramp design proven in combat on 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles, with the vehicle fully operational in winter conditions of -20°C to desert conditions of +55°. The 16t MBOMBE 4 provides a payload of nearly three tonnes, encapsulating weapon systems, ammunition, crew and supplies.
The MBOMBE family enables Paramount Group to provide customers with a comprehensive family of 4 x 4, 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 infantry fighting vehicles, which have over 70% component commonality to reduce through-life costs and ensure efficient training and logistics.
The MBOMBE 4 has been designed to accommodate a wide range of payloads and turrets. The onboard mission computer and interface system is able to integrate with weapon systems of both Western and Eastern origins. The vehicle is also fitted with the latest-generation navigational, crew comfort and security systems, including a driver-assist camera system, winter kit, vehicle location and tracking systems, a NATO standard tow-hitch, radios and intercoms systems and a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS).
“The UAE is one of the most sophisticated procurement markets of defence equipment in the world. We are very privileged that our newly-launched, next-generation armoured vehicle has been selected by the UAE’s Armed Forces [….] We are very proud of our strong partnership and are committed to strengthening this long into the future. We are dedicated to developing advanced defence capabilities and next-generation technologies which will support our regional partners,” stated Paramount Group Executive Chairman, Ivor Ichikowitz.
