Paramount Group and UK’s QinetiQ to collaborate

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SA’s Paramount Group and UK listed defence and technology company QinetiQ have signed an agreement at Farnborough to identify areas of collaboration.

In a press release from this week’s Farnborough International Air Show, the two companies say they have signed a “memorandum of collaboration” to identify areas of mutual interest and will consider each other as “preferred suppliers for specific projects”. No specifics are given in the release on possible projects on which there will be collaboration.
“The agreement is expected to facilitate collaboration on a number of areas including rotary and fixed wing upgrades, mission systems and enhancements, aero structures, unmanned systems, and leveraging synergies in the maritime and naval environment,” the press release said.

Earlier this week at Farnborough, QinetiQ said it had invented a shape memory alloy that could be woven into jets made of carbon fibre to reduce damage from strikes from UAVs and bird strikes.
“By working together, QinetiQ and Paramount Group will be able to provide our existing and prospective customers the very best defence and security solutions,” said Steve Wadey, CEO of QinetiQ. “We look forward to working with the Paramount team and enhancing both our capabilities as leaders in technology and innovation.”
“Forging partnerships with fellow industry leaders and international governments is a hallmark of Paramount Group. We’re excited to continue collaborating with QinetiQ and bolster our advanced technology and service capabilities for our clients through technology insertion into our land, sea and air platforms,” said Ivor Ichikowitz, Paramount Group Founder and Executive Chairman.

Paramount has previously partnered with UK company Griffon Hoverwork. During the DSEI show in the UK in September last year Paramount said it would market Griffon hovercraft in Africa while Griffon will market Paramount naval designs to the UK Ministry of Defence and other customers in Europe.

A big partner for Paramount is Boeing, with the latter to supply mission systems for the military version of Paramount’s AHRLAC multi-role aircraft, the Mwari. Boeing will actively market the aircraft with Paramount Group in the international market.

Boeing and Paramount first announced cooperation in 2014, which was cemented with a signing ceremony at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show in September that year. The two companies revealed they would cooperate in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics and helicopters.