Ukraine Deploys South African Mbombe 6 Armored Vehicles Fitted with Locally Developed BM-5 Turret.

On August 19, 2024, images released by Ukrainian forces on social media revealed that the South African Mbombe 6x6 armored combat vehicle, equipped with the "Spys" combat module, is in service with the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade of Ukraine.
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Ukrainian Mbombe 6 Armored Vehicles Fitted with Locally Developed BM-5 Turret (Picture source: Ukraine MoD)

As a reminder, 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.

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.

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).

The Mbombe, available in 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 versions, is designed to meet the changing requirements of modern battlefields. Its advanced construction provides great maneuverability, allows the integration of various weapon systems, and ensures a high level of protection for military personnel. The Mbombe 6 has been supplied to countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. It has also been successfully produced in Kazakhstan as part of Paramount’s portable production model with Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering.

The Mbombe 6, developed by Paramount, is a low-profile, highly agile 6x6 infantry combat vehicle designed to carry significant payloads across various terrains. It can be configured as either an armored personnel carrier or an armored fighting vehicle, offering advanced protection with flat-floor technology that provides exceptional mine resistance without the traditional V-shaped design. The vehicle’s design also reduces its silhouette, enhancing its stealth while ensuring protection against ballistic attacks and anti-tank mine explosions in compliance with STANAG 4569 levels.

Following its presentation at DSEI 2023 and facing increasing demand particularly from Latin America and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), production of the Mbombe 6 has been ramped up. Over 20 units are currently in production, meeting the diverse needs of military operations, including in Ukraine. The vehicle is equipped for various military missions such as counter-terrorism, border patrol, and peacekeeping, highlighting its adaptability and versatility.

The Mbombe 6 stands out for its flexible operational capabilities, with seating for a crew of two in the front, a commander or gunner, and eight additional passengers in the rear. Its 6x6 configuration, turbo diesel engine producing 336 kW, and automatic transmission allow it to navigate challenging terrains effectively, reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h and covering up to 1,000 km. Features such as the Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) and Battlefield Management Systems further enhance its capabilities, making the Mbombe 6 a robust and versatile solution for contemporary security challenges.

Ukrainian Mbombe 6 Armored Vehicles Fitted with Locally Developed BM-5 Turret (Picture source: Ukraine MoD)