Ecuador Receives Its First MBombe Armored Vehicles from South Africa.

The Ecuadorian Army has taken delivery of its initial batch of the new Paramount Group MBombe armored vehicles (painted in olive green). This 6x6 vehicle, manufactured in South Africa, can transport up to 11 individuals, protected by STANAG 4569 level 4 armor, which, according to its manufacturer, can withstand impacts and explosions of up to 10 kilograms of TNT AEI and rocket-propelled grenades weighing up to 50 kilograms at distances of five meters. This information was relayed by Infodefensa.
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The Mbombe is a versatile armored combat vehicle designed by Paramount Group, a South African company. (Picture source: Paramount Group)

The adoption of this vehicle has been justified by its technical features, particularly its protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), anti-personnel mines, and unexploded ordnance planted along the northern border, posing risks to personnel deployed in border, rural, and urban areas.

Ecuador will deploy its Mbombe along its northern border for surveillance and control operations in areas affected by the constant presence of organized Colombian armed groups, dissidents, and reactivations of the Farc-EP.

The Mbombe is a versatile armored combat vehicle designed by Paramount Group. It is equipped with a 30mm caliber cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun to ensure effective firepower. This vehicle is designed to carry a crew of three individuals as well as eight additional soldiers, providing it with significant troop transport capacity.

In terms of protection, the Mbombe features ballistic armor and mine blast protection at STANAG 4569 level 4, offering increased resistance to battlefield threats. Additionally, it is equipped with advanced day/night vision systems, a laser detection system, and a rear-view camera for enhanced situational awareness.

With a weight of 27,000 kg, the Mbombe is a robust and powerful vehicle capable of reaching a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Its operational range on roads is 700 km, allowing it to cover long distances during missions.

Regarding its dimensions, the Mbombe measures 7.72 meters in length, 2.55 meters in width, and 2.34 meters in height with the turret installed, providing a balanced combination of mobility, firepower, and protection to meet the operational needs of modern armed forces.

To support the new armored fleet, a mechanized cavalry brigade will be established, with its operations center in the province of Manabí, overseeing surveillance and control operations.