South African firm Paramount’s new 4×4 light armored modular vehicle (LAMV) is built to protect its crew from mine blasts in high-risk battlefield environments.
Known as Mbada, the vehicle is designed to withstand a blast equivalent to 6 kilograms (13 pounds) of trinitrotoluene (TNT) beneath a wheel or directly under its hull.
It has a fully welded monocoque hull with STANAG 4569 Level 1 and Level 2 ballistic protection, as well as Level 2a and 2b mine blast protection.
Mbada weighs about 10 tonnes (22,050 pounds) and can reach a maximum road speed of 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour). It seats four people: a driver, commander, and two additional crew members.
The vehicle can accommodate weapons, antenna mounts, ammunition racks, intercoms, and command-and-control equipment.
Its modular design allows it to be configured for reconnaissance, border security, troop transport, logistics, surveillance, and force protection.
Available in left- and right-hand-drive versions, Mbada runs on a 450-horsepower, six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed drive system.
Co-Engineered With India
Developed with Indian firm Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), Mbada was displayed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition in Pretoria, South Africa.
The companies are targeting armed forces in India, Africa, South Asia, and other international markets.
“The launch of Mbada at AAD 2026 reflects our commitment to developing world-class defence solutions through strong international partnerships,” said Neelesh Tungar, chief executive officer of KSSL.
“By combining KSSL’s advanced engineering… Mbada is a testament to our shared vision of delivering innovative, mission-ready capabilities to customers across global markets.”
A related variant, called Simha, was displayed at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris for the Indian and other international markets.
