Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), a joint venture of the global aerospace and technology business, Paramount Group, and Kazpetromash, one of Kazakhstan’s leading defense and engineering companies, has announced the delivery of the latest Arlan 4×4 to Kazakhstan Armored personnel carrier (APC). Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, according to the country’s Defense Order.
Over the past four years, Kazakh Paramount Engineering has delivered several batches of Arlan APCs to the Kazakh Armed Forces and has been operating in the region.
Arlan, the winter variant of the Paramount Group Predator, is a mine-protected armored platform (MRAP) designed to operate in extreme environments to meet the needs of the Kazakh Armed Forces for a growing range of missions, such as rapid reaction force operations , infantry fire support or long-range border patrol.
Known for its adaptability to various conditions in Kazakhstan and the greater Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the vehicle features features including pre-ignition engine heating and a dynamic temperature control system to transport people safely and comfortably in winter conditions (eg as low as -50 degrees Celsius) and summer temperatures (up to 50 degrees Celsius).
All Arlan armored vehicles are manufactured locally (up to 70% local content) in Nursultan’s 15,000 sqm KPE armored vehicle production plant, one of the largest and most modern armored vehicle factories in the region. The Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering Company (KPE) currently employs more than 200 Kazakhs, providing modern equipment for the Kazakh Special Operations Forces and its Ministry of Defense. These facilities are centers of excellence and high-skilled employment, with the capacity to produce hundreds of armored vehicles each year.
John Craig, executive chairman of Paramount Land Systems, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic, especially its immediate impact on global supply chains, has highlighted the need for governments to hone their indigenous capabilities and encourage the defense industrial complex to remain resilient in the face of often fluctuating environments and their exogenous aftershocks. key drivers”.
Indigenously produced Arlan can withstand blast debris and dissipated energy, and its double spaced armor provides excellent safety (including STANAG 4569 Class 3a and 3b blast protection, braking force against 50kg TNT side blasts, protection from roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices, and has 8 kg of explosion protection under the hull), while reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h at a range of 700 km.
In addition to the Arlan’s advanced protection and durability (with a 13,500kg curb weight and a payload of up to 4,500kg), the highly versatile APC can wade at 1.2m and is able to climb 60% incline and 35% edge slope.
The interoperable vehicle accommodates a crew of two and up to seven soldiers, and is also equipped with a nuclear, biological and chemical protection system (NBC) to address the challenges of radiation dust dispersion, gas and/or biological attack, and mechanical 12.7mm turret. Arlan can carry additional fuel tanks, water and additional combat supplies, with optional accessories including but not limited to a cold protection kit and a central tire inflation system (CTIS), as well as various weapons and fire suppression systems.
“Maintaining security of supply in the defense sector will be a top priority for governments around the world through 2022. The successful delivery of the latest Arlans fleet to customers therefore not only reflects our tradition of delivering highly customized solutions on time and on budget, but also Demonstrates the pragmatic role of our partners in mitigating the impact of global threats. KPE is truly a strategic cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s technological strength,” concludes Craig.
