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Having found a niche in producing mine-proff armoured vehicles and having made the space its own, South African defence and aerospace company Paramount is spreading its wings, both figuratively and literally. It is about to debut its first all-South African aircraft and is unveiling ambitious plans to set up operations throughout continental Africa. Tom Nevin went to meet the company's chairman.

The Marauder is not only one of the most capable 4x4s in the world; it can also withstand several kilos of plastic explosives without its passengers getting hurt. And it is proudly South African.

As South African President Jacob Zuma reopened the corruption investigation surrounding a decades-old arms deal, one of the country's leading private defence companies has been busy selling its wares further afield. In September, Paramount Group announced the launch of the first aircraft to be fully designed and engineered in Africa. Known as the Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft, it was built in partnership with South African aeronautical company Aerosud, with manufacturing planned at a new factory to be built at the Centurion Aerospace Village near Pretoria.

Paramount Group, a cluster of companies with focus in the international peacekeeping, defence and internal security industry sector, hopes to retain its prominent presence in the UAE market through partnership with a UAF-based group. The makers of Africa's first aircraft created from scratch, aim to market and distribute their vehicles in the country as a sign of commitment. Khaleej Times spoke to Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of Paramount Group, to get an insight into the group's operations and goals.

Africa’s aerospace industry has entereda new era with the launch of a ground-breaking multi-role aviation platform. This marks the first time in Africa’s history that the continent has independently designed and manufactured its own aircraft. The market potential of the aircraft could add up to half a billion dollars to the industrial output of the South African economy.

Paramount Group’s Marauder defeats ‘terrorist’ explosions, brick walls and wild lions

First public outing for mine protected vehicles jointly produced with Paramount Group