Thailand’s Defence Technology Institute (DTI) has testing D-Lion 4×4 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) from Thai company’s JATUNAPAS CO., LTD. at Army Transportation Department, Royal Thai Army (RTA)’s Tha Muang test range, Kanchanaburi Province. DTI D-Lion is a Thai version of the Mbombe 4 mine-resistant armoured fighting vehicle from South Africa firm Paramount Group, also unveiled at the Defense & Security 2022. The Mbombe 4 completes the highly advanced Mbombe family of combat vehicles which have been designed to directly address the increasing demand for outstanding protection yet versatility in conventional and asymmetric warfare, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping missions alike.
The Mbombe 4 shares a ‘conventional’ or ‘in-line’ automotive driveline configuration, positioning the powerpack at the front of the vehicle and along its centre line. Despite such world-class protections, the 16 tonnes Mbombe 4 provides incredible versatility, a burst speed of 140km/hr, the ability able to scale gradients at a 60% incline and a fording depth of up to 900mm, which can be executed without preparation. The platform notably hosts industry-distinct flat floor mine protections and a rear-door ramp design which ensures the rapid deployment of the crew while the vehicle is either static or on the move. The Mbombe 4 can also be equipped with various weapon systems and loaded with ammunition, crew, and supplies.
Manufactured with a distinct clean-sheet design, while equipped with the latest technologies mission-critical to address the challenges of the modern battlefield, the Mbombe 4 provides high degrees of both ballistic and mine protection (e.g., crew compartment STANAG 4569-Level 3, blast protection STANAG 4569-Level 4a & 4b, protections recognised under a NATO standardisation agreement) alongside independently verified protections against a 50kg TNT side blast or roadside bomb. The vehicle’s newly tested and certified add-on armour and lightweight shielding system developed by Paramount Group further increases the Mbombe 4’s protection to cover all Level 3 threats within NATO STANAG 4569.
Paramount Group, the global aerospace and technology company, announced that its Mbombe 4 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), has been selected by five sovereign nations to equip their armed forces with the most advanced armoured vehicle innovations and technologies available in the world. Paramount Group is a Global Aerospace & Defence group of companies operating in the global defence, internal security and peacekeeping industries. Established in South Africa in 1994, it offers a range of military aircraft, armoured vehicles, maritime systems, equipment and training to governments. During 2000, Paramount Group launched the first of its road vehicles, the Marauder. Since then, the firm has expanded its range to manufacture a variety of armoured vehicles, including the Maverick, Mbombe 6, and Matador.
