Paramount from South Africa Offers Its Mbombe Armored Vehicle for Deployment with Ukrainian Army

On 18 April 2024, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, attended a presentation of a range of modernized military equipment, including the BMP-1TS infantry fighting vehicle and the Oncilla armored vehicle as well as the Mbombe 6 6x6 armored vehicle in Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) version developed by the South African company, Paramount Group equipped with the locally developed BM-5 turret, already seen on the BMP-1TS.
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Reports indicate that the design and production of the Mbombe 6 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) may involve a licensing agreement between Paramount Group and a Ukrainian company. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

Reports indicate that the design and production of this vehicle may involve a licensing agreement between Paramount Group and a Ukrainian company, utilizing the specifications of the Mbombe 6. As reported by Army Recognition on March 4, 2024, Ukraine has now developed the capacity to rapidly produce military vehicles domestically, a highly valuable capability for manufacturing under license during ongoing conflicts, allowing Ukraine to address supply chain disruptions. By replicating models such as the US M113, HMMWV, and MaxxPro vehicles, Ukraine has produced localized versions named Kharakternyk, Sikach, and Lys, respectively. This approach ensures a steady supply of critical military equipment and supports Ukraine's efforts to maintain its defense capabilities through domestic resources.

These vehicles are designed to meet specific operational needs while maintaining the essential features of their American prototypes. Therefore, the Ukrainian variant of the Mbombe 6 is reported to conform to the STANAG 4569 standard, class 3 protection, which includes resistance to 7.62×51 caliber armor-piercing rounds. It also features a mine-resistant design with a V-shaped hull capable of withstanding a detonation of up to 10 kg in TNT equivalent. The vehicle's armament consists of the locally developed BM-5 turret, already seen on the BMP-1TS.

Manufactured by Techimpex, the BM-5 turret, also known as Spis or Spear, features a modular design allowing it to be fitted onto various armored vehicles, including the BTR series, BMP-1, BMP-2, MT-LB, Varan, and M113, without necessitating alterations to the remote-control weapon station. Equipped with a 30mm ZTM-1 autocannon, a 30mm KBA-117 automatic grenade launcher, and 4 laser-beam-guided, 130mm anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), the BM-5 turret ensures adaptability and firepower across different combat scenarios. Additionally, it features a 7.62mm PKT machine gun and smoke grenades for supplementary cover and protection. The turret's ammunition load, comprising 300 autocannon shells, 116 grenade launcher rounds, and 2,100 machine gun cartridges, along with smoke grenade launchers, provides sustained firepower.

Already seen on the BMP-1TS, the BM-5 turret is armed with a 30mm ZTM-1 autocannon, a 30mm KBA-117 automatic grenade launcher, and 4 laser-beam-guided, 130mm anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). (Picture source: Twitter, Wikimedia, and Techimpex)

Concerning protection and survivability, the BM-5 turret employs a welded design with armor plates of varying thicknesses, including an inclined frontal plate, a rear niche, and cylindrical casings on the sides. This design provides Level 3 protection according to STANAG 4569 standards, capable of withstanding hits from 7.62mm armor-piercing rifle bullets from any angle, thus enhancing crew safety in hazardous environments.

The BM-5 module is equipped with an integrated optoelectronic equipment block, including a day channel, thermal imager, and laser rangefinder, enhancing situational awareness and target acquisition. Combined with advanced fire control systems and an operator-gunner's workplace equipped with remote controls and monitors, the BM-5 turret ensured that the BMP-1TS remains effective on the battlefield, particularly in its deployment within the fifth assault brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces in the Northern Region of Ukraine. The capabilities and firepower of this 100% Ukrainian turret should optimize the advantages of the Mbombe 6 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV).

Paramount's Mbombe 6 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) has seen increased production following its presentation at DSEI 2023, with a focus on meeting growing global demand, particularly from Latin American and Southern African Development Community (SADEC) defense forces. With over 20 units already in production and deliveries underway, this 6x6 vehicle emerged as a solution catering to various military needs, including in Ukraine.

Designed to fulfill multiple military roles such as counter-terrorism, border patrol, and peacekeeping operations, the Mbombe 6 underscores adaptability and versatility. Its monocoque hull construction ensures durability while providing a stable platform for different configurations, enabling its suitability for a wide range of military and security tasks.

With dimensions accommodating a crew of two in the front cabin, a commander or gunner, and eight additional passengers in the rear, the Mbombe 6 offers operational flexibility. Its 6x6 configuration facilitates agile mobility on and off-road, allowing it to navigate challenging terrains effectively. Powered by a turbo diesel engine generating 336 kW (450 HP) and 1,627 Nm of torque, coupled with an automatic transmission, the Mbombe 6 achieves speeds of up to 110 km/h and maintains a road range of up to 1,000 km, ensuring endurance and efficiency during missions. Additionally, its compliance with B7 - Stanag Level 3 standards in the crew compartment, along with optional features like Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) and Battlefield Management Systems, further enhance its capabilities in the field.

The highly adaptable Mbombe 6 is designed to fulfill various military assignments, including counter-terrorism, border patrol, and peacekeeping missions, making it a valuable asset for armed forces worldwide. (Picture source: Paramount)

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