Boeing’s defence division has revealed its first industrial move on the African continent, launching a wide-ranging partnership with Midrand, South Africa-based Paramount Group.
The memorandum of understanding signed on 15 July by both companies follows Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s model of establishing long-term relationships with companies in a variety of regions, but is the first arrangement of its kind in Africa.
“There will be a lot of opportunities for product focus,” says Chris Chadwick, president and chief executive of BDS. “But there’s nothing specific right now, and I think that’s a plus.”
Paramount is developing its AHRLAC light reconnaissance and attack aircraft. The two-seat, single-engined platform, was publicly rolled-out a week ago and is due to complete a first flight shortly.
Additional engineering and marketing services could be provided by Boeing, says Chadwick. “That may be one area that we may explore,” Chadwick says.
Ivor Ichikowitz, Paramount’s executive chairman, says there will be “lots of opportunities for specific announcements” on joint efforts with Boeing in the “coming months”.
The range of opportunities include both new development aircraft and supporting existing military types, Ichikowitz says.
“Africa is a microcosm for the developing world,” Ichikowitz says. “There’s a lot that can be developed in Africa that has relevance elsewhere in the world. We’ve been forced to do things differently.”
Source: FlightGlobal.com
