Boeing and Paramount to collaborate on light multi-role aircraft

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Boeing [NYSE: BA] 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 and security, and military variants. This militarised version will be known as Mwari.*

Speaking from the Global Aerospace Summit in Abu Dhabi, Jeffrey Johnson, Vice President, Boeing Military Aircraft?, Business Development of Boeing Defense, Space and Security said: “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.”

Johnson said that Boeing has examined the aircraft extensively and believe they have found an opportunity to expand into a market untouched by their company.

Johnson added that Boeing will actively market the aircraft with Paramount Group in the international market.

“Boeing has a worldwide footprint in parts and field services and logistics that we hope we can utilise too in our portfolio of products from very high-end costly fighters all the way down to very cost-effective products. This now helps us with access to a market that we have never been involved in,” Johnson said.

The Paramount Group is the largest privately owned defence and aerospace business in Africa, providing fully integrated turnkey solutions to global defence, 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 organisations in the global defence community.

Please visit www.paramountgroup.com for more information or follow it on Twitter.

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. Follow it on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Notes to Editors:

*The militarised version of AHRLAC is called “Mwari”. The name Mwari is taken from African mythology and originated in Southern Africa, where it is regarded by some tribes as an omnipotent, all-seeing being.