King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) has announced a strategic joint venture with Paramount Group, Africa’s largest defence and aerospace business, to boost the production of battle-tested and proven defence technologies in Jordan for armed forces across the Mena region.

The newly created defence company, Arabian Defence Industries (ADI) which was announced at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition & Conference (SOFEX) in Amman, signals an important milestone in the continuing growth of the defence industrial capability in the Middle East.

The joining of these two world leaders has created a formidable force which positions it as a leader in defence industrialization in the region giving it the advantage of integrating cutting edge capabilities and technologies across land systems and aerospace, said a statement from the company.

ADI will be able to rapidly respond to its customers by providing bespoke solutions to meet their diverse and dynamic requirements, it added.
 
The joint venture agreement was signed by the chairman of KIG, Shadi Ramzi Al Majali and the executive chairman of Paramount Group, Ivor Ichikowitz.

"ADI brings together leaders in defence and aerospace innovation in a strong and unique partnership which will deliver world class technologies and solutions, from the latest in armoured vehicle technologies to sophisticated aerospace technologies, including modernisation and upgrade capabilities of fighter and rotary wing aircraft for the specific requirements of defence forces in the region," said Al Majali.

Ichikowitz said: "Through ADI it is our intention to transfer skills, technology and advanced defence capability into the Middle East. It is our intention to develop manufacturing facilities, establish research and development facilities, and create a strong Middle East – African partnership that will be extremely beneficial as these two regions come together."

“It is a great privilege to partner with the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau through its investment group, KIG. This is an organisation that we respect, it has a reputation for innovation and there are great synergies between our organisations that will bring huge benefits to our customers,” he added.

According to him, ADI will present a wide range of defence technologies to the world’s largest defence market. This will include Paramount’s advanced land system solutions including the world-leading 6x6 Infantry Combat Vehicle, Mbombe, and a range of aerospace solutions comprising the modernisation and upgrading capability of Hawk fighter aircraft, Mi 17 and Mi 24 Russian helicopters and the Super Puma.  KIG’s products will include Stallion II, Dawsar 8x8 multi-purpose platform, Self Propelled 105mm Gun, Remote Weapon Station (RWS), and the Pan-Tilt platform.-TradeArabia News Service