DSEI 2023: Paramount targets Europe for Mwari/Bronco II

Known as the Mwari in its ITAR-free configuration and as the Bronco II in its ITAR-compliant configuration, Paramount's light attack and ISR aircraft is now set to target European customers following recent success in Africa. (Paramount)

South Africa's Paramount Group is targeting European requirements as it looks to expand the growing customer base for its Mwari/Bronco II light attack and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, senior company officials told Janes on 12 September.

Speaking at the DSEI 2023 defence exhibition in London, the founder of Paramount, Ivor Ichikowitz, and its CEO Steve Griessel, said that with initial sales of the twin-seat single-engine turboprop aircraft now secured in Africa, European NATO countries offer an avenue for further expansion for the type.

“Absolutely we believe that a lot of NATO countries are going to have operational requirements for this class of aircraft,” Ichikowitz said. “We know Portugal [has a light attack and ISR requirement], and we are talking to a number of smaller NATO countries who have limited air force capabilities. There are a lot of countries that have requirements for aircraft like [Embraer/Sierra Nevada Corporation] Super Tucano, but they want a broader capability.”

While Ichikowitz did not name these prospective customers, it has been reported that Austria and the Netherlands have an interest in this type of aircraft besides Portugal. It might also be a suitable fit for the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which do not currently operate fixed-wing combat or ISR types, but have a need for border surveillance and protection at a reduced cost.