ABU DHABI / EMIRATES BUSINESS
Boeing and the Paramount Group, the South African based global defence and aerospace business, have expanded their 2014 agreement to cooperate on an advanced mission system for a variant of the Advanced, High Performance, Reconnaissance, Light Aircraft (AHRLAC). A high-wing, two-seat aircraft, AHRLAC is designed to incorporate advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and weapons systems. Boeing will develop an integrated mission system for the aircraft enabling ISR and light strike missions for the AHRLAC safety & security, and military variants. This militarised version will be known as Mwari.
“Working with Paramount, we’ll not only bring a flexible, persistent and affordable aircraft to the international market, but we’ll also be developing world-class technology in Africa,†said Jeffrey Johnson, Vice President, Boeing Military Aircraft ‎, Business Development of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
“This is a momentous milestone in AHRLAC’s evolution. The multi-role aircraft will become a significant player in the global aerospace industry. We believe in the commercial success of the aircraft and its impact on the future of the African aerospace industry by boosting advanced technologies, job creation and skills development,†said Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of Paramount Group. The Paramount Group is the largest privately owned defence and aerospace business in Africa, providing fully integrated turnkey solutions to global defense, peacekeeping and internal security forces. Since its inception in 1994, Paramount has built strong relationships with governments and government agencies in more than 30 countries around the world.
Paramount is a leading innovator in the design and development of state-of-the-art products that it manufactures in locations globally and has partnered with some of the world’s largest and most reputable organizations in the global defense community.
While Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes.
rotorcraft, rockets and satellites. It also provides leasing and product support services.
In 2016 Boeing celebrates 100 years of pioneering aviation accomplishments and launches its second century as an innovative, customer-focused aerospace technology and capabilities provider, community partner and preferred employer.
Through its Defence, Space and Security unit, Boeing is a global leader in this marketplace and is the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defence, Space and Security is a $30 billion business with about 50,000 employees worldwide.
Paramount Group is a group of companies operating in the global defence, internal security and peace-keeping industries. It was founded in South Africa in 1994 and offers a range of armoured vehicles, military aircraft, equipment and training to governments.
Paramount Group manufactures a range of armoured vehicles – the Maverick, Mbombe, Matador and Marauder – and in 2011 unveiled the AHRLAC, a long-range reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft. AHRLAC is the first aircraft to be designed and built from scratch in Africa.