Massive USD 32.3 Bn Armed Overwatch and ISR sector opportunities according to Paramount.

Paramount released a market report at the DSEI event in London on September 12th, 2023, revealing substantial opportunities estimated at $32.3 billion within the Armed Overwatch/ISR sector over the next five years. This report coincides with heightened global tensions and notable changes in modern warfare strategies.

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  The Mwari aircraft is designed to catch ISR opportunities (Picture source: Paramount)

The report attributed the increase in global defense spending to factors such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict and evolving threat perceptions across continental Europe and beyond. In this evolving landscape, Armed Overwatch and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) platforms have become essential due to depleting inventories at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department of Defense (DoD), expedited procurement processes, and increased demands for military readiness.

Steve Griessel, Paramount's CEO, highlighted the importance of adapting defense solutions to meet global needs while remaining locally relevant. Paramount's Mwari aircraft, offering versatile and locally producible solutions, aligns with the priorities of numerous nations.

Paramount's presence at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event reflects the company's strategic transition toward becoming a technology-driven Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The report underscored the significance of equipment like the Mwari aircraft, emphasizing Paramount's commitment to collaborative innovation and global partnerships.

The report provided insights into the Armed Overwatch/ISR sector, noting that these platforms offer cost-effective measures against violent extremism, essential ISR capabilities, and readily available close air support. Their affordability, reliability, and adaptability to challenging environments have contributed to their growing global adoption.

Decision-makers face critical considerations when deploying these platforms, such as choosing between vertical collaboration and organic force integration, crewed or uncrewed platforms, and the effective implementation of the F3EAD force concept (Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyze, and Disseminate).

Despite comprising a relatively small portion (6.78%) of the global air capability spending, Armed Overwatch/ISR platforms are expected to secure business opportunities due to limited alternatives. The report projected that the Global Armed Overwatch/ISR Aircraft market would offer $32.3 billion in opportunities over the next five years, with uncrewed systems dominating future acquisitions, estimated at around 2374 platforms between 2023 and 2027.

In response to shifting threat perceptions, traditional 4th and 5th-generation fighters are likely to have reduced availability in counter-insurgency operations, leading to increased procurement of cost-effective close air-support platforms. In challenging operational environments, Middle East and African nations are expected to favor crewed systems over uncrewed ones. Platforms offering technology transfer options may gain a competitive edge and approvals from developing nations.

The report also noted that established and combat-proven platforms would likely remain preferred for addressing immediate capability gaps, while larger-scale programs would attract global prime contractors and their national partners. Countries including Canada, India, Japan, Pakistan, and South Korea were anticipated to have significant demands for Armed Overwatch/ISR platforms.

Paramount's Mwari aircraft was presented as a versatile asset in this evolving landscape. As a two-crew C4ISR and precision strike platform, the Mwari's adaptability was emphasized, thanks to its open system architecture, enabling the swift integration of new systems and ensuring mission flexibility.

With decades of experience in asymmetrical warfare, the Mwari aircraft has been designed to be adaptable, meeting the needs of modern militaries. Mwari offers portability and potential for indigenous production, providing nations with a security solution.

Designed for modern threats and Air Force needs, the Mwari is suitable for hybrid ISR and close air support, boasting a mission-configurable payload system, making it suitable for remote and austere missions with minimal logistical support.