Page 8 - DEFENSE & SECURITY 2022 - Day 3 | DAILY NEWS

PARAMOUNT GROUP, JATUNAPAS AND DTI TO PARTNER
FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ICVs IN THAILAND

within Thailand, the next generation Paramount Group-pioneered portable
ICV is to undergo vehicle trials by the manufacturing model. Eric Ichikowitz,
Thai Armed Forces and the country’s Senior Vice President of Paramount
Defence Technology Institute (DTI), Group said “We are privileged to part-
an agency operating under the over- ner with DTI and Jatunapas to bolster
sight of the Thai Ministry of Defense. local manufacturing capabilities
This was also the first instance of a through the production of the formida-
Mbombe 4 being assembled in SE Asia. ble Mbombe 4. We are looking forward
The first locally assembled ICV named to building this partnership and that
‘D-Lion’ which is the local name for the with the Thai government, from this
Mbombe 4 was handed over at the milestone.”
show. Ploynapas Chaiyasree, CEO of
Thai efforts to manufacture advanced Jatunapas Company Limited said: There are more than 150 Mbombe 4’s
infantry combat vehicle’s (ICV), “The D-Lion combat vehicle which has either being manufactured or on order
in-country have received a boost, with been assembled in Thailand through for delivery or deployment across
the announcement of a new tri-par- the cooperation of DTI, Jatunapas Africa, Asia and around the world.
tite partnership with South Africa’s and Paramount Group represents a “This announcement in Thailand is an
Paramount Group, Jatunapas of first-of-its-kind in this level of combat important next step in the Mbombe’s
Thailand and the Defence Technology capability. South Africa is globally rec- continued expansion, and a testament
Institute (DTI), which is Thailand’s ognized for its leading competence in to the innovative partnerships that
defence research and development this vehicle class, whilst Thailand has we have fostered to the benefit of our
(R&D). The firms will work together significant competence in vehicle partner nations’ respective defence
to produce Paramount Group’s production. industrial complexes. We are pleased
advanced Infantry Combat Vehicle The Mbombe 4’s continued expansion to say that the Mbombe 4 is ready for
(ICV), the Mbombe 4, in Thailand. into the Asia-Pacific marketplace and production in Thailand as of today,”
Following assembly of the Mbombe 4 beyond emphasises the success of the Ichikowitz said.

weapons: 105 and 155mm shells and country’s Weapon Production Centre
NEXTER EYEING fuzes for artillery; 76 to 105mm for tank for more than 30 years. Nexter sup-
ammunition; common medium calibre plied weapon systems that are used
UPGRADE (20, 25 and 30mm), Bofors 40mm, 76 in Thailand include the 155mm/52 cal.

OPPORTUNITIES and 127mm for naval artillery. “All the CAESAR mounted artillery guns, the
equipment we showcase have been 105mm LG1 towed guns, 20mm guns
THAILAND designed to meet the needs of the Thai and NERVA land tactical robots for
armed forces. For example, Nexter’s the anti-explosive ordnance detec-
Nexter is looking to further solidify its artillery systems are particularly tion (EOD) Units. Thailand’s Weapons
presence in Thailand and is showcas- adapted to challenging environment Production Centre also has produc-
ing a wide range of products at the such as jungle or mountains. They tion lines for medium and large caliber
ongoing show. At the ongoing show, are the lightest guns and to have the ammunition which are in service with
the company is displaying its CAESAR smallest logistical footprint,” a com- the Thai military and Nexter Arrowtech
6X6 and 105LG artillery systems as well pany spokesperson informed Daily sells ammunition from 20mm to 155mm
as the Findart fire control system; in News. to the Thai forces.
addition to the TITUS ARX 20, a 6X6 Besides the artillery systems to be
highly mobile armoured vehicle to delivered to the Royal Thai Army,
operate in difficult terrain conditions. “Nexter aims at modernising the in-ser-
The version presented of this modu- vice equipment in order to remain well
lar vehicle is the armoured personal ahead in terms of performance and
carrier equipped with an ARX 20mm reliability. Upgrade opportunities exist
remote weapon station Nexter is also in all areas of operations (engineer-
showcasing its Narwhal 20mm naval ing for production lines, digitization of
remote weapon system and the artillery systems, smart ammunition for
ammunition range of Nexter Arrowtech enhanced performances of weapons
for medium and heavy calibre. systems…),” the spokesperson said.
Nexter Arrowtech offers a wide range The French firm has supplied sys-
of ammunition for the Royal Thai tems to the Royal Thai Army, the
Army compatible with NATO stan- Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Air
dard medium and heavy calibre Force, the Royal Thai Police and the
8 AUGUST 31 2022 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS