The Ecuadorian Army has recently received the first batch of Mbombe 6×6 armored vehicles from South Africa’s Paramount Group. These state-of-the-art vehicles, painted in a tactical olive green, are designed to transport up to 11 individuals while offering superior protection with STANAG 4569 level 4 armor. This robust armor can withstand the impact of explosions equivalent to 10 kilograms of TNT AEI and rocket-propelled grenades of up to 50 kilograms from a distance of five meters.
The procurement of the Mbombe 6×6 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) by the Ecuadorian Army was part of a broader acquisition by national defense forces across Latin America and the Southern African Development Community (SADEC), announced last year by Paramount. Although the Latin American customer was not initially disclosed, it has become apparent that Ecuador is the recipient of these advanced military vehicles.
This announcement was made during the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event in London, where Paramount Group revealed that over 20 of these next-generation ICVs are currently in production, with deliveries already in progress.
Ecuador plans to deploy the Mbombe 6×6 along its northern border to conduct surveillance and control operations in regions plagued by the persistent activities of organized Colombian armed groups, dissidents, and remnants of the Farc-EP.
The decision to adopt the Mbombe 6×6 was largely influenced by its technical specifications, particularly its advanced protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), anti-personnel mines, and unexploded ordnance. These threats are prevalent along the northern border, posing significant risks to personnel operating in border, rural, and urban environments.
The Mbombe 6×6 is a versatile armored combat vehicle equipped with a 30mm caliber cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, providing formidable firepower. It is designed to carry a crew of three, along with eight additional soldiers, thus offering substantial troop transport capacity.
In terms of defense, the Mbombe 6×6 boasts ballistic armor and mine blast protection at STANAG 4569 level 4, ensuring enhanced resistance to battlefield threats. The vehicle is also outfitted with cutting-edge day/night vision systems, a laser detection system, and a rear-view camera, all of which contribute to heightened situational awareness.
To accommodate the new armored fleet, the Ecuadorian Army is establishing a mechanized cavalry brigade, with its operations center located in the province of Manabí. This brigade will be responsible for overseeing the surveillance and control operations, marking a new era in Ecuador’s defense strategy.
The versatile Mbombe 6 is equipped to handle various military assignments, including counterterrorism, border patrol, and peacekeeping missions. The entire Mbombe family of armoured vehicles shares an 80% commonality in technologies and components, offering significant cost benefits due to greater efficiencies, savings in maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), as well as in training and logistical support.
