(Image: Paramount Group)
Leading manufacturer of armoured vehicles, and global aerospace and defence company, Paramount, has launched its latest 4X4 light armoured modular vehicle (LAMV) for modern armed forces that require a lightweight armoured vehicle for an array of defence and security force missions across Africa, India, South Asia and international markets.
According to a press release from Paramount, the Mbanda LAVM – which was first showcased at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition in September, 2026 – is co-developed with Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited – the defence arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited – for defence force missions, including reconnaissance; internal security; border protection; special forces; operations; troop transportation; logistics support; command and control; surveillance; weapons carriage; force protection; and homeland security.
The Mbanda – which means ‘Leopard’ in Shona – is approximately 10 tonnes in kerb weight, and boasts a 450-horsepower, six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that delivers 1 627 Newton-metres of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission, two-speed lockable transfer case, and independent front and rear suspension – as well as a maximum road speed of about 110 km/h.
When it comes to armoured capabilities for defence personnel, the Mbanda is a fully-welded LAMV that is manufactured according to STANAG Level 1 and Level 2 standards for effective ballistic protection, and is also equipped with STANAG Level 2a and Level 2b blast protection capabilities.
Additionally, the Mbanda can be customised to specification based on the defence force’s requirements to include a wide range of survivability systems, including ammunition racks; antenna mounts; communications and intercom systems; weapons; roof-mounted searchlights; run-flat tyres; shooting ports; command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) solutions; as well as forward-looking infrared night driving systems and parking sensors.
Paramount South Africa CEO, Lindiwe Tshabalala, says that the Mbada LAMV stands as a testament to Paramount’s ongoing support for military, peacekeeping, border security and specialised missions in Africa and global markets, building on “Paramount’s deep heritage in armoured vehicle design, engineering and production”.
“As military forces across Africa and around the world adapt to increasingly complex, dispersed and unpredictable operational environments, demand is growing for lighter and more agile armoured vehicles that combine mobility and survivability with the flexibility to rapidly integrate new technologies, weapons and mission systems” says Tshabalala.
