KPE Barys 8x8 vehicle completes four-year trial
Barys 8x8 Infantry Combat Vehicle is a next-generation platform (Photo: Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering)
The platform was tested throughout the mountainous terrains of Southern Kazakhstan, across forested and savannah-like steppe and the salt marshes of Central Kazakhstan covering a total distance of 25,000 km.
Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) — a JV between South Africa-based Paramount Group and state-owned Kazakhstan Engineering — announced on 2 November that its Barys 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle has completed a four-year series of trials conducted by the Kazakh MoD, bringing the platform a step closer to its first production order.
This milestone was achieved more than five years after Barys was unveiled for the first time at the KADEX Exhibition in Nur-Sultan.
Barys is derived from the Paramount-made Mbombe 8. According to KPE, the platform covered more than 25,000km in tests in various environments: the mountainous terrains of Southern Kazakhstan; across forested and savannah-like steppe; and in the salt marshes of Central Kazakhstan.
Firepower was also tested, with Barys discharging more than 5,000 rounds of 30mm and 7,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
Barys 8x8 is a multi-purpose armoured vehicle operated by a crew of up to 11. It was built for meeting the increasing demands in the region for versatility, high mobility and mine protection.
With a maximum speed of 110km/h and an operating range of 800km, the vehicle carries a payload of up to 9t and features STANAG 4569 Level 4B protection against mines, IEDs and roadside landmines.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![India’s high-altitude logistics drone push drives demand as BonV Aero launches Air Orca]()
India’s high-altitude logistics drone push drives demand as BonV Aero launches Air Orca
The Indian Army's major drone procurement programme has drawn attention from BonV Aero which has launched its heavy-lift platform for extreme terrain missions.
-
![SpearUAV to deliver 1,000 loitering munitions to extend armoured vehicle capability]()
SpearUAV to deliver 1,000 loitering munitions to extend armoured vehicle capability
The company's Multi Canister Launcher can deploy its Viper system from multiple military platforms, boosting operational flexibility.
-
![Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance]()
Laser weapon solutions are emerging as Europe confronts air defence cost imbalance
Europe’s air defence debate is increasingly shaped by the blunt economics of the field. While high-value interceptor missiles can effectively shoot down cheap drones, doing so at scale presents cost challenges.
-
![ARX Robotics expands in UK following British Army backing for uncrewed platforms]()
ARX Robotics expands in UK following British Army backing for uncrewed platforms
Following an order from the British Army, ARX Robotics has begun manufacturing autonomous ground platforms in the UK. Christopher Foss examines the company's growing range of systems.
