Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), the joint venture between the global aerospace and technology business, Paramount Group and one of Kazakhstan’s leading defence and engineering companies, Kazpetromash, has announced that the company has commenced production of the advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), the Barys 6×6, with first deliveries expected by the end of the year to the Armed Forces Special Units of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Barys 6×6 accommodates two crew members, up to eight troops, and can be utilised for a myriad of defence and security operations, including border patrol, armoured ambulance and infantry fire support.
In accordance with the requirements of the Kazakhstan Armed Forces, the Barys 6×6 has been additionally equipped with fire extinguishing systems, modified hatches, an upgraded mechanical turret, and various systems for attaching and storing weapons and ammunition, both internally and external to the IFV. A highly agile infantry combat vehicle, the Barys 6×6 is being manufactured entirely from within Kazakhstan, utilising next-generation MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) technology, providing unrivalled protection against landmines, IEDs, side-blasts and RPG attacks in the process.
John Craig, Executive Chairman of Paramount Land Systems, stated that, “This order for the Barys 6×6 by the government of Kazakhstan is a very important achievement for Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering and the country’s defence industrial capabilities. This is laying the foundation for ramped up production of the Barys range of vehicles for years to come. The indigenous production of the state-of-the-art Barys 6×6 emblemizes the country’s advanced industrial and engineering capabilities. It is a proud moment for the country and every employee of KPE.”
The Armed Forces Special Units of the Republic of Kazakhstan recently carried out a series of trials of the Barys 6×6 in diverse and very rugged conditions, during the extreme winter and summer conditions of Kazakhstan, which were successfully completed. The Barys (‘snow leopard’ in Kazakh, the winterised variant of Paramount Group’s Mbombe 6) notably maintains a commonality of components across the entirety of the Barys fleet, ensuring affordability while reducing costs associated with maintenance, repairs and operations. The Barys’ 8×8 variant recently successfully concluded a four-year series of trials conducted by the Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan, covering a total distance of 25,000 km.
