Boeing Increases African Presence, Signs Cooperation Agreement With Paramount Group

ScanEagle UAS Photo Courtesy Boeing

by Scott Kesselman



Boeing has signed a cooperation agreement with Paramount Group, the largest privately owned defense and aerospace group in Africa, at the Africa Aerospace and Defense show.



“There will be specific collaboration in the UAV space. … We’re looking at collaboration on their platforms and our mission systems,” says Ivor Ichikowitz, Paramount executive chairman. “There are opportunities in naval space. There are opportunities to support U.S. Africom activities in Africa.”



According to Paul Oliver, Middle East and Africa regional vice president for Boeing Defense, the companies were looking at Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft for collaboration opportunities.  



Boeing, trying to increase its presence in Africa, is offering many systems including the ScanEagle UAS in addition to manned AH-64 Apaches, CH-47F Chinooks and AH-6i Little Birds to customers around the continent. There is particular interest in the ScanEagle for counter poaching measures, according to a company press release.  



“We spent a lot of time looking at synergies, not only in the context of what Paramount can offer, but what the South African defense industry can offer,” Ichikowitz says. “The fact that they have placed a focus on Africa is in itself a very important and strategic game changer for the African market.”