News

2023-12-10

Jatunapas Gets Paramount Boost at Bangkok Expo

In a strong display of partnership, prominent aerospace and technology company Paramount threw its support behind Thai defence and security firm Jatunapas at the Defence and Security 2023 Expo held in Bangkok recently.

The two companies had announced a partnership last year to manufacture the Mbombe 4 advanced Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) in Thailand.

Prime Protection
Drawing on the heritage of the Mbombe 8x8, now in production following its launch in 2016, and the Mbombe 6x6 which has entered service, the Mbombe 4x4 completes the highly advanced Mbombe family of combat vehicles.

Displaying a striking new design, packed with the latest technologies and capabilities required for the modern battlefield and ever-evolving threats, it offers outstanding levels of protection, mobility and flexibility.

The Mbombe 4 shares a ‘conventional’ or ‘in-line’ automotive driveline configuration, positioning the powerpack at the front of the vehicle and along its centre line.

This configuration results in far greater efficiency in terms of the transfer of power from the powerpack to the wheels, as the loss of power associated with a second transfer gearbox necessary for ‘unconventional’ drivelines, such as with side-engined vehicles, is eliminated.

The platform offers high levels of ballistic and mine protections (e.g. crew compartment STANAG 4569-Level 3, blast protection STANAG 4569-Level 4a & 4b) and protection against a 50kg TNT side blast or Improvised Explosive Device (IED)/roadside bomb.

Incredible Versatility

The 16-tonne Mbombe 4 provides incredible versatility, a burst speed of 140km/hr, the ability to scale gradients at a 60 per cent incline and a fording depth of up to 900mm, which can be executed without preparation.

The vehicle can also be equipped with various weapon systems and loaded with ammunition, crew, and supplies.

The Mbombe 4’s continued expansion into the Asia-Pacific marketplace and beyond emphasises the success of the Paramount-pioneered portable manufacturing model.

D-Lion Steps Out

During a ceremony at the Expo, the Royal Thai Armed Forces officially received the domestically assembled ‘D-Lion,’ the local variant’s name. Subsequently, the ICV underwent a series of rigorous vehicle and live-fire trials conducted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) and the Defence Technology Institute (DTI).

The D-Lion is a 4x4 armoured vehicle that is designed to transport and support infantry troops in combat. It is highly protected, with armour that can withstand ballistic and blast threats. It is a significant addition to the Thai military’s capabilities. It provides the RTAF with a modern and capable ICV that is well-suited to the challenges of modern warfare.

Steve Griessel, Paramount’s Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasised that the project was a testament to the company’s belief in the capabilities of Jatunapas and its commitment to technology and skills transfer, fostering local production, and contributing to the creation of jobs.

“The impressive work undertaken by Jatunapas clearly reflects their commitment to advancing Thailand’s defence capabilities,” Griessel stated. “Jatunapas is known for their outstanding defence and security solutions. This partnership promises to set new benchmarks in defence innovation, and we are honoured to be part of this journey.”

Manufactured with a distinct clean-sheet design while equipped with the latest technologies mission-critical to address the challenges of the modern battlefield, the Mbombe 4 offers some of the highest levels of protection that can be achieved globally by an armoured vehicle in its class.

Prominent Exhibition

For 20 years, Defense & Security has been an important biennial as ASEAN’s leading Tri-Service defence and internal security event, in Bangkok. When Defense staged its first Tri-Service for Land, Sea, and Air in Bangkok in 2003 not many countries or international manufacturers paid much attention. The addition of the Internal Security section was added to the profile in 2007 and the event was soon on a path to become one of the region’s most important and dynamic exhibitions and could no longer be ignored.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Paramount was formed in South Africa in 1994 with the goal of helping African governments better protect their countries. The company now collaborates with sovereign governments on five continents. Its manufacturing operations span across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, solidifying its presence on a global scale.

Comments () Views (7549 ) Print

Send To Friend