Paramount Group, Africa’s largest privately owned defense and aerospace business and Jordan’s state-owned defense company, the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) has signed a major contract for the production of the world’s most advanced armored combat vehicles, the 6x6 Mbombe infantry combat vehicle, which is specifically designed to meet the demands of modern conflicts around the world.

The contract for the production of the first 50 Mbombes was signed by the CEO of KADDB, Major-General Omar Al Kaldi and the Chairman of Paramount Group, Ivor Ichikowitz at IDEX 2015, the largest defense expo in the Middle East.

CEO of King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB), Major General Omar Al Kaldi said: “The production of Mbombe in Jordan signals an important milestone in the continuing growth of the defense industrial capability in the Middle East. The Mbombe is a world-class product that is optimally suited for the requirements of defense forces in the region. The Mbombe will become the platform for the future 6x6 requirements of the Jordanian Armed Forces. By integrating our technologies, engineering skills and know-how we are looking forward to bringing innovation to the industry. ”

Ivor Ichikowitz, Founder and Executive Chairman of Paramount Group said: “We are extremely privileged by Jordan’s decision to select the Mbombe 6x6 for its Armed Forces. Jordan has a strategic position and role in the Middle East in building stability and security across the region. 

The signing of the contract follows an extensive program of vehicle trials comprising 50°Celsius desert environments in Jordan and the UAE, to -50° Celsius during winter trials in Kazakhstan. The Mbombe successfully completed the rigorous trials and in the process covered more than 10,000 km in the world’s most harsh and challenging environments. 

The South African developed Infantry Combat Vehicle, Mbombe, represents the latest in armored and land mine protected technology in the world. The Mbombe is a six-wheeled vehicle that employs a ground-breaking new form of construction technology offering outstanding protection, mobility and firepower. It is designed to provide unrivalled protection against landmines, IEDs, side blasts and RPG attacks.

Mbombe is the first vehicle in its class to use flat hull mine protected technology, and the first to offer all-round protection against a variety of threats. Ballistic protection is provided against 14.5mm heavy machine gun rounds, while it offers similar levels of protection against 155mm artillery burst. Level 4 mine protection is offered against 10kg mines detonating under the hull or wheels. Against IEDs, it can withstand a 50kg TNT blast.

Production of the 50 Mbombe’s will commence immediately with manufacturing taking place in Jordan and South Africa.