Paramount Group and its Kazakhstan joint venture, Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), are exhibiting their latest range of armoured vehicles at the international Kazakhstan Defence Expo (KADEX-2018) in Astana.
In addition to land system technologies, Paramount and KPE are also exhibiting a range of aerospace and naval capabilities, including modernisation and enhancement of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and multi-role naval vessels.
The focus of KPE’s exhibit are the Barys infantry combat 6?6 and 8?8 vehicles as well as the Arlan 4×4 mine protected armoured personnel carrier.
The Barys 8, a localised version of Paramount’s Mbombe 8 debuted at KADEX 2016. It was developed to meet an ever increasing demand for multi-role, high mobility and mine hardened platforms, Paramount said.
Its design allows for fitment of a variety of weapon systems enabling the Barys 8 to be customised for armed forces all around the world. In 2016 it was fitted with a Russian 57 mm automatic cannon on the AU-220M remote weapon station. This year the Barys 8 will be fitted with a remote weapon station jointly developed by Kazakhstan’s KAE LLP and Aselsan, called the Sarbaz. The Sarbaz is a 30mm gyro-stabilised remotely controlled gun turret. The vehicle is also fitted with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
The Kazakhstan Ministry of Defence is in the final stages of evaluation of the Barys 8×8 combat vehicle ahead of acceptance into service by the country’s armed forces. This follows intensive winter and summer trials during which it performed well under extreme conditions.
Also making its debut at KADEX is the Barys 6, a winterised version of Paramount’s Mbombe 6. It will be demonstrated with a unified combat compartment and stabilised cannon-machine-gun armament currently in use on the BTR 82-A.
KADEX visitors can view the popular Kazakhstani armoured vehicle Arlan in various configurations; equipped with a “SARP” remote weapon station, the “SARP-S” modernised remote weapon station paired with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun and with a full suite of reconnaissance equipment.
A number of Arlan armoured wheeled vehicles are in service with the Kazakhstani armed forces are a key part of the mobility and firepower displays during the exhibition.
Ivor Ichikowitz, Group Chairman of Paramount Group said: “In only a few years, Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering has established itself as an innovation leader and industrial powerhouse in the region. This is the result of strong partnerships with the Kazakhstan government and local industry. We are proud to showcase the capabilities of KPE and its locally manufactured technologies. The success of KPE is a testament to the shared vision, commitment and hard work of our partners and employees.”
“The advanced armored vehicles produced at our modern manufacturing facility in Astana comply with the highest international standards, offering a wide range of armoured vehicles characterised by outstanding reliability, mobility and levels of protection. Our portfolio at KADEX 2018 is the result of dedication to innovation, the support of our local partners and the high skills level of our workforce,” said KPE director, Johan Delport.
KADEX-2018 started today (Wednesday) in the Kazakhstani capital and finishes on Saturday.
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