Paramount develops new Mbombe 6 infantry combat vehicle
The Mbombe 6 Mk3 is the latest generation of the vehicle. (Photo: Paramount Group)
The Mbombe 6, the 6x6 version of the Mbombe family of armoured vehicles developed by South Africa’s Paramount Group, has been built around commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment. The vehicle’s low silhouette offers a reduced target, while its armoured hull protects against ballistic attack up to STANAG 4569 Level 4.
Paramount Group has developed an improved version of its Mbombe 6 6x6 infantry combat vehicle which provides improved protection, redesigned electrical system and the inclusion of more COTS products.
According to the company, the Mbombe 6 Mk3 has a redesigned electrical system that focuses on enhanced driver ergonomics and features a new interior layout offering improved functionality and space utilisation compared to previous models.
Its enhancements include increased engine bay protection and recovery capabilities with the addition of a new heavy-duty front-mounted bumper featuring integrated recovery points and an updated electric winch.
The platform has been designed to provide resilience against landmines, IEDs, side blasts and RPG attacks, with the use of flat-floor mine technology that ensures the vehicle does not need to resort to a traditional V-shape design.
The platform’s armoured hull provides protection against ballistic attacks (scalable ballistic protection to STANAG 4569) and anti-tank land mine explosions (STANAG level 4a and 4b).
Shephard Defence Insight noted that Mbombe 6 platforms have been in service with Ecuador, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Libya and Ukraine. The vehicle has been manufactured under licence by Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) as the Barys 6 and by the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB).
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