Paramount Group, the African-based global defense and aerospace company, and its joint venture in Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), are exhibiting their latest range of next generation armored vehicles at the international Kazakhstan Defense Expo (KADEX-2018) which is taking place from 23-26 May in Astana.
In addition to its word-leading land system technologies, Paramount and KPE are also exhibiting a wide range of aerospace and naval capabilities, including the modernization and enhancement of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, unmanned systems and multi-role naval vessels.
The focus of KPE’s exhibit is to showcase the advanced Barys Infantry Combat vehicle family comprised of the 6х6 and 8х8 vehicles, and also the Arlan 4x4 mine-protected armored personnel carrier.
The Barys 8, the localized version of Paramount’s Mbombe 8 was unveiled for the first time at KADEX 2016. It represents the pinnacle of land system technologies and was developed to meet the increasing demand for multi-role, high mobility and mine hardened platforms.
Its unique design allows for the fitment of a very large array of weapon systems enabling the Barys 8 to be customized 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-stabilized remotely controlled gun turret. Additionally, the vehicle is also fitted with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
The Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan is in the final stages of the evaluation of the Barys 8x8 combat vehicle ahead of acceptance into service by the country’s armed forces. This follows intensive winter and summer trials during which the vehicle performed exceptionally under extreme conditions.
Making its debut at KADEX, the Barys 6, the new winterized version of Paramount's Mbombe 6, will be demonstrated with a unified combat compartment and stabilized cannon-machine-gun armament that is currently in use on the BTR 82-A.
Visitors at KADEX will be able to view the most popular Kazakhstani armored vehicle “Arlan” in various different configurations; equipped with a “SARP” remote weapon station, the "SARP-S" modernized remote weapon station paired with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, and also with a full suite of reconnaissance equipment.
A number of the “Arlan” armored wheeled vehicles that are in service with the Kazakhstani armed forces will form a key part of the mobility and firepower displays that will take place 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 our strong partnerships with the Government of Kazakhstan and local industry. We are proud to showcase the unique capabilities of KPE and its locally manufactured world-beating technologies. The success of KPE is a testament to the shared vision, commitment and hard work of our partners and employees.”
Johan Delport, KPE Director said: “The advanced armored vehicles produced at our modern manufacturing facility in Astana comply with the highest international standards, offering a wide range of armored vehicles characterized for outstanding reliability, mobility and levels of protection. Our dynamic portfolio on display at KADEX 2018 is the result of our dedication to innovation, the support of our local partners and the high level skills of our workforce.”
Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) is the joint venture between Paramount Group, the African based global defense and aerospace company, and Kazakhstan Engineering, the leading defense company in Kazakhstan. KPE is one of the leading defense companies in Kazakhstan and the CIS region.
