Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering Company (KPE), a joint venture between Paramount Group, a global aerospace and technology company, and Kazpetromash, one of Kazakhstan’s leading defense and engineering companies, announced its flagship and next-generation 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle ( ICV), Barys 8×8 successfully completed a four-year series of tests conducted by the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan, bringing the vehicle one step closer to the first production order.
Barys (“Snow Leopard” in Kazakh) is a localized version of Paramount Group Mbombe 8 (ICV) and debuted at the 2016 KADEX exhibition.
Over the course of four years, Barys conducted tests in the mountains, forests and savannah-like grasslands of southern Kazakhstan, and salt marshes in central Kazakhstan. The battle ended on the sandy beach of Mangisto near the Caspian Sea, with a total distance of 25,000 kilometers.
In addition to testing the excellent mobility and versatility of Barys, its firepower has also been tested to the extreme, firing more than 5,000 rounds of 30mm bullets and 7,000 rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition.
Barys 8×8 has previously undergone arduous testing activities under severe weather conditions throughout Central Asia, and can withstand temperatures of +45º to -60ºC during summer and winter testing.
The Barys 8×8 ICV is a testament to the 27-year legacy of Paramount’s first portable manufacturing model. It is produced in Kazakhstan and manufactured in Nursultan’s 15,000 square meter KPE armored vehicle production facility. The plant is now recognized as one of the largest and most modern armored vehicle plants in Eurasia, especially the only plant in the region capable of producing such next-generation infantry fighting vehicles.
The facility is operated by more than 200 Kazakhstan employees. For many years, it has been a localized manufacturing center and a centralized base for providing modern equipment to Kazakhstan’s special operations forces and the Ministry of Defense, providing the ability to produce hundreds of armored vehicles. Vehicles every year.
John Craig, Executive Chairman of Paramount Land Systems Group, said: “Barys 8×8 has undergone uniquely challenging and extensive testing in the past four years. The successful completion of this event is the Paramount Project in Kazakhstan (KPE). An important milestone in the success story. This further proves the advanced potential of Kazakhstan’s defense industry, providing state-of-the-art facilities and high-level skills for the development of indigenous defense technology in a wider area.”
The Barys 8×8 is a multi-purpose armored vehicle that can provide advanced technical solutions for up to 11 occupants (including a driver, two occupants, and eight infantry) to deal with regional threats in the usually harsh and rugged environment . The vehicle is designed to meet the growing versatility, high mobility and demand for lightning protection platforms in the region.
While providing a maximum speed of 110 km/h and a working range of 800 km, Barys 8×8 provides a payload of up to 9 tons, and has unparalleled STANAG 4569 4B protection, which can withstand mines and improvised explosive devices (IED) And roadside shellless mines are just examples. Barys 8’s anti-mine flat bottom further reduces its profile to 2.4 meters, providing additional advantages in combat and preventing the excessive power of improvised explosive devices.
Craig added: “Barys 8 is a breakthrough in the region. It allows us to permanently integrate next-generation technologies to ensure that the platform is always at the forefront of defense and security to meet the needs of the regional armed forces. Barys 8×8 also proves The outstanding capabilities of our partners in Paramount Engineering, Kazakhstan.”
Barys 8 is designed and equipped with special “lightning protection” seats to prevent injury to occupants during extreme acceleration, which may occur due to the effects of explosions near or directly under the vehicle.
The Barys 8 is also equipped with the “Ansar” manned combat automatic system completely produced in Kazakhstan; a remote-controlled turret variant, equipped with a 30mm 2A72 automatic gun, equipped with a stable barrel mount, two 7.62mm PKT(M) machine guns, and ammunition storage , Feeding and loading system, and 81mm smoke grenade launcher. The installation of ATGM transmitter can also be provided.
The vehicle’s retractable search and tracking system is equipped with a TV camera, thermal imager, laser rangefinder, night vision equipment and weather station. In addition, missile guidance devices can be installed to deal with low-flying air targets.
Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) hopes to further enhance the future industrial capabilities of Eurasian countries by expanding new land, air and sea production lines.
Craig concluded: “KPE has always been a direct supporter of creating highly skilled jobs and establishing innovation and centers of excellence in Kazakhstan and Greater Eurasia; these are the benchmarks we look forward to establishing and expanding in the future.”
