JANES:Azerbaijan begins MPV assembly 

IDEF 2009: Azerbaijan begins MPV assembly

following deal with Paramount By: Christopher F Foss JDW Jane's Land Consultant, Istanbul

Azerbaijan is to manufacture Marauder and Matador (4x4) mine-protected vehicles (MPVs) under a deal signed with South Africa's Paramount Group.

The Ministry of Defence Industry of the Azerbaijan Republic (MODIAR) has placed an initial order for 25 Marauder and 25 Matador MPVs, with assembly already underway at a new facility in the country.

The first batch, built using kits supplied by Paramount Group, is expected to be complete in around three months.

Although the first vehicles are for the home market, the longer-term aim of MODIAR is to win export orders from the region.

Under a technology transfer deal Azerbaijan will increase its input to the programme. However, it is expected that key subassemblies such as the Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission and Axletech transfer box will continue to be imported.

MODIAR will take delivery of both versions in the standard APC version, although they can be rapidly configured for a wide range of roles. Options include a central tyre pressure regulation system, run-flat tyres, a winch, weapon stations and an auxiliary power unit. A 15 kW air-conditioning system is fitted as standard on all vehicles.

Marauder and Matador both feature a double-skin monocoque welded hull that provides a high level of protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).