BEIRUT — The Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered “several” Mwari aircraft from the South African defense firm Paramount Group, in keeping with a Sept. 13 company news release.
The acquisition follows Paramount’s delivery of apparatus to Mozambique, where the Mwari is already operational. In keeping with the firm, the aircraft is designed for a wide selection of missions, equivalent to counterinsurgency, border patrol, precision strike, reconnaissance and surveillance.
The corporate didn’t reply to Defense News about what number of Mwari were on order by the DRC and the contract value. Defense News has contacted the DRC consulate in Lebanon for extra information.
The aircraft, touted as requiring a minimal logistical footprint, can operate in distant and austere environments in addition to equip different payloads.
“With a long time of experience in asymmetrical warfare, we’ve designed the Mwari as a tool that isn’t only robust but incredibly adaptable, fitting the needs of contemporary militaries in Africa and around the globe,” Steve Griessel, the chief executive of Paramount Group, said in an announcement.
Paramount also announced during DSEI it integrated “advanced weapons systems” on the Mwari, noting it’ll disclose specifics “at a later date.” Weapons testing and certification are expected later this yr or in early 2024, the news release stated.