SA to supply armoured vehicles for Brazil's police

Ivor Ichikowitz

Rio de Janeiro has purchased the Maverick internal security vehicle for use with the special police Ooerations battalion (BOPE) and the shock police battalion (CHOQUE), which is part of the military police and the co-ordination of special resources (CORE) battalion.

The deal underlines Africa's growing business alliance with Brazil and follows the recent BRICS Durban summit which saw the establishment of the first working group, aimed at intensifying defence co-operation between Member countries. BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Chairman of the Paramount Group, Ivor Ichikowitz, says the contract is an important step in increasing the company's footprint in the region and will lead to increased trade between Latin America and Africa.

"Over the next few years Rio de Janeiro will become the focus of the world when it hosts the World Cup in 2014 and Olympics in 2016. The equipment to be supplied by Paramount Group will play a critical role in the security infrastructure for both these events," Ichikowitz said.

The Maverick

"The contract was awarded after a lengthy and vigorous schedule of technical evaluations, practical field testing and a procurement process that was open to both domestic and international tenderers," he added.

He went on to say that sharing defence and security equipment represents a new level of international co-operation and emphases the strengthened alliances between Africa and Brazil and the high levels of unity within the BRICS alliance.

"Brazil is one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world, and in order to achieve its potential the government has realised that it has to equip its security forces with the most advanced equipment in order to protect significant investment in its infrastructure and citizens."

Police units

He says the group is proud to have been selected to support the government in this important role and is looking forward to being part of the growth of this country.

"The selection of the Maverick by Rio's elite BOPE, CHOQUE and CORE battalions is a definitive endorsement of the capabilities of the vehicle," said Ichikowitz.

"South Africa has a proud heritage in the defence and security sector and Paramount Group is continually investing in research and development thus ensuring its products are at the leading edge of technology," he added.