Global alliance set to revolutionise peacekeeping, security and defence industries

Making the announcement at the African continent’s biggest defence exhibition at Ysterplaat military airbase, African Aerospace and Defence (AAD), Ivor Ichikowitz – executive chairman of the Paramount Group and Brigadier (retired) K.A. Hai, said that both groups have similar business philosophies and strengths that will make the global alliance a viable business proposition. Mahindra Defence Systems has been looking to expand its business into markets that the Paramount Group understands intrinsically and has operated in for 12 years, while the Paramount Group is expanding its reach into markets where Mahindra has a strong brand presence. The alliance will jointly develop a range of specialized vehicles for defence, security and peacekeeping applications, drawing on Mahindra’s engineering and production strengths and international support networks. “As one of the major suppliers to peacekeeping missions and defence forces on the African continent, the Paramount Group embarked on a long term search for a suitable and like-minded partner to manufacture light vehicles, and it was through this that the association with Mahindra & Mahindra Group of India was created,” says Ichikowitz. Following the successful introduction of the Mahindra range of sports utility and commercial vehicles into the South African market, via a Paramount associated company, African Automotive Investments (AAI), a formal alliance between the two businesses was inevitable. The two organizations (Mahindra Defence Systems and the Paramount Group) have already embarked on a number of joint developments, involving a comprehensive range of light vehicles which will be used in a variety of applications including patrolling, rapid response, workshops, field kitchens, ambulances, communications and electronic warfare. The new range of vehicles has been ‘ruggerised’ for military applications and can be customized to each user’s specific requirements. In terms of usage, the manufacturer is already well represented in a variety of international peacekeeping operations, and the affordable and rugged Mahindra workhorse has proven its worth. Brigadier K.A.Hai confirms that initially production will take place in India, while specialized body kits will be produced in other countries as the opportunities arise. In many cases, where the volume justifies it, semi knock-down kits can be made available for local manufacture to encourage technical and skills transfer in customer countries. The Paramount Group business approach is to analyse the customers’ requirements and develop affordable solutions that meet their specific needs. Mahindra Defence Systems understands and develops hardware that is suited to the markets in which it operates. Ichikowitz says that the alliance is an extension of an existing mutually beneficial business relationship. “We know each other and we trust each other to find solutions that fulfill customers’ requirements.” Brigadier K.A.Hai says that the alliance has a solid base: “Our skills and expertise in the design, development and construction of light military and armoured vehicles have gained high levels of acceptance in the markets in which we operate. When this is combined with the Paramount approach to business, we are a natural fit.” Contact details:The statement was issued by Channel Communications, on behalf of the Paramount Group. Any media enquiries should be directed to Angelo Coppola on +27 )0) 83 448 1008, or angelo@channelcom.co.za