Paramount Aerospace Industries (PAI), a subsidiary of the UAE-based global aerospace and technology company Paramount, has announced additional customer deliveries of its ‘Mwari’ advanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strike aircraft. The announcement was made during the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 defense exhibition in London.
The founder of Paramount, Ivor Ichikowitz, and CEO Steve Griessel highlighted the initial sales of the Mwari aircraft in Africa and discussed the potential for expansion in European NATO countries. They emphasized that many NATO nations may require aircraft of this class, citing Portugal and ongoing discussions with smaller NATO nations with limited air force capabilities.
While specific customer names were not mentioned, it has been reported that Austria, the Netherlands, and others have shown interest in this type of aircraft. It could also be a suitable choice for Baltic countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which lack fixed-wing combat or ISR aircraft but require cost-effective border surveillance and protection.
Customer Deliveries:
The Mwari aircraft deliveries have commenced, with the Mozambican Air Forces already operational with over 70 hours of flight-time dedicated to challenging reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has also ordered multiple Mwari platforms. To date, nine customizable Mwari aircraft have been delivered to Mozambique and the DRC.
The Mwari aircraft’s versatility in the ISR and Armed Overwatch domain makes it well-suited for diverse environments, covering missions such as counterinsurgency, border patrol, precision strike, reconnaissance, and surveillance. It is designed for ISR and close air support assignments with an interchangeable mission-configurable payload system, capable of operating in remote environments with minimal logistical support.
Designed for ISR and close air support (CAS) assignments with an interchangeable mission-configurable payload system, the Mwari is capable of operating in remote and austere environments while requiring a minimal logistical footprint. Embodying the ‘F3EAD’ (Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyze and Disseminate) capability, the aircraft is tailor-made for modern, asymmetrical threats around the world.
Weapons Systems Integration & Testing:
Paramount has announced the integration of advanced weapons systems on the Mwari aircraft, with weapons testing and certification expected to commence later in the fourth quarter or early in the first quarter. Paramount Aerospace Industries (PAI) will handle the vertical integration and manufacturing of these systems. Detailed information about the mission and weapons systems will be disclosed at a later date.
Command and Control Base Integration:
Paramount is integrating modern command, control, and communications base systems architecture into the Mwari aircraft, allowing it to serve as a crucial link between aircraft, ground forces, and forward-operating bases (FOBs). This enables the Mwari to transmit advanced intelligence and real-time analysis, enhancing its role in coordinating responses and redefining precision strike capabilities.
Armed Overwatch Market Report:
Paramount presented an industry intelligence report at DSEI 2023, revealing that global air capability spending is expected to exceed $476 billion, with the Armed Overwatch/ISR market providing approximately $32.3 billion in opportunities over the next five years. The report highlights the changing threat perceptions in continental Europe and the need for cost-effective counterinsurgency capabilities.
Paramount Group CEO Steve Griessel highlighted that the Mwari aircraft offers a sustainable security solution for nations, reducing reliance on foreign powers. It provides an interconnected battlefield advantage to ground and air forces.
The Mwari aircraft’s design and specifications also meet the requirement for a small multi-role surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft that can be rapidly deployed from unprepared or rough-terrain runways. Its capabilities are also well-suited for anti-poaching, anti-people trafficking, and counterinsurgency applications.
Additionally, the Mwari aircraft has been equipped with advanced anti-drone technologies, enabling it to effectively counter Medium Altitude and Long Endurance Drones (MALEs).
Additionally, unmanned systems solutions provider S-Plane will integrate its optionally piloted vehicle kit on Paramount’s Mwari light attack and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) aircraft. Paramount Group, the maker of the Mwari entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with S-Plane during the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022.
S-Plane’s proprietary X-KIT can turn any manned and unmanned aircraft into optionally piloted vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles or manned airborne ISR systems. X-KIT will enable the Mwari to carry out its assigned role either as a manned or unmanned aerial platform, and the autonimous system will be integrated throughout the Mwari’s architecture, equipment, subsystems, and interfaces.
Paramount Aerospace Industries currently has the capacity to produce three Mwari aircraft annually, with plans to increase production to five units per year as demand grows.