The State of Rio de Janeiro launched an international bid for the acquisition of Internal Security Vehicles to which world leaders in the defence and security industries responded.
The State of Rio de Janeiro has awarded the tender to procure the Maverick Internal Security Vehicle (ISV), manufactured by Paramount Group, for use by the Special Police Operations Battalion (BOPE) and the Shock Police Battalion (CHOQUE) within the Military Police, as well as by the Co-ordination of Special Resources (CORE) battalion of the Civil Police.
This decision was achieved after a lengthy and vigorous schedule of technical evaluations, practical field testing and a competitive and transparent procurement process that was open to both domestic and international manufacturers of such vehicles.
The open architecture of the Maverick provides for extensive customization to the unique requirements of the environments in which it is used. It is independently tested and proven to protect crew against 7.62mm x 54mm armour-piercing rounds at very close range, attacks from hand grenades underneath the vehicle as well as 50kg TNT side blasts from five metres. This makes it ideal for combating diverse current, projected and unanticipated threats.
Commenting on the decision, Ivor Ichikowitz, the Executive Chairman of Paramount Group, said:
“Brazil is one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world, and in order to achieve its potential the Government has realised that it has to equip its security forces with the most advanced equipment in order to protect significant investment in its infrastructure and citizens. Paramount is very proud to have been selected to support the Government in this important role and is looking forward to being part of the growth of this dynamic country.”
The selection of the Maverick by Rio’s elite BOPE, CHOQUE and CORE battalions is a definitive endorsement of the capabilities of the vehicle platform that set it apart from other ISV systems.
South Africa has a proud heritage in the defence and security industry and Paramount Group is continually investing in research and development thereby ensuring its products are at the leading edge of technology.
Over the next few years Rio de Janeiro will become the focus of the world as it hosts the World Cup and Olympics. The equipment to be supplied by Paramount will play a critical role in the security infrastructure for both these events.
This award is a very important step in consolidating Paramount’s focus on the Latin America market and will lead to a growth in business for both Paramount and South Africa in this region.
Ichikowitz continued: “Brazil is an inspiration to the world and more specifically to other BRICS nations, and Paramount is very excited to be a part of the remarkable vision of the Brazilian leadership and pleased to be giving economic substance to the very positive political relationships that have been developed between Brazil and South Africa both through BRICS and bilaterally.”
-ENDS-
About Paramount Group
Paramount Group is Africa’s largest privately-owned defence and aerospace business and is exhibiting at LAAD 2013 (stand I.70). It is a leader in defence and security innovation and is a trusted partner to sovereign governments around the world, providing ground-breaking products, services and consultancy, including support for peace-keeping missions. Please visit www.paramountgroup.biz for more information and follow us on Twitter
About LAAD
LAAD Defence & Security – Defence and Security International Exhibition – is one of Latin America’s biggest biennial security and defence conferences. The biennial event brings together Brazilian and international companies specialized in supplying equipment, services and technology to the Armed Forces, Police and Special Forces, Security Services, consultants and government agencies.
www.laadexpo.com
Media contacts
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Georgina Adcock, Bell Pottinger Business & Brand +44 20 7861 2486
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