Following a “large increase in customer demand” for the South African-designed, -developed and -built advanced, high-performance, reconnaissance, light aircraft (Ahrlac), defence platforms company Paramount Group announced the unveiling of a new version of the aircraft – the Mwari Smart – on February 20, at the International Defence Exhibition (Idex) 2017, which took place in Abu Dhabi from February 19 to 23.

The new military-specific Mwari (the weaponised version of Ahrlac) Smart will offer intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities, using the same surveillance, targeting, defensive and attack capabilities otherwise associated with aircraft of a larger, and, thus, more costly, class.

The Ahrlac platforms are due to enter full line production early this year at a purpose- built factory at Wonderboom Airport, north of Pretoria. However, the Mwaris’s customised mission systems will be integrated in a separate facility.

The name ‘Mwari’ translates as ‘all-seeing being’ in the Shona language, spoken by the majority of Zimbabwe’s indigenous population. The aircraft’s optical and electronic sensors are capable of delivering an eagle-eye perspective from as high as 30 000 ft, while also combining the technology and capabilities of fixed-wing reconnaissance aircraft and attack helicopters.

The aircraft has been designed to easily incorporate some of the most advanced multi- function displays, digital optical systems, electronic intelligence gathering and compact sensory equipment currently available on the international markets, thereby making it what Paramount Group describes as a smart, innovative command centre in the sky.

Combining this with the capability to carry a range of sophisticated precision-strike weapons, the Mwari is able to deliver precisely targeted strikes against targets, while also reducing the risk of collateral damage usually associated with other systems (such as bombs).

The Mwari includes features such as real-time data fusion and on-board analysis of intelligence and targeting intelligence, communication and coordination of selected information to command and control centres and other airborne platforms and ground forces.

The aircraft also features 26 hard points, onto which an array of systems can be installed, including electronic targeting pods, communications equipment, self-protection systems and precision-targeted munitions.

In addition, day and night operations can be conducted using the Mwari, owing to its ability to be launched from and land on rough and unprepared landing strips. The large- windowed cabin of the aircraft also facilitates the use of night-vision goggles by the pilot and copilot.

Paramount Group founder and executive chairperson Ivor Ichikowitz says that, in an “increasingly uncertain” world, it is crucial for governments to provide stability for their citizens, industries and economies by adopting defence solutions that build security and support economic growth. “In an era of asymmetrical conflicts, the Mwari is a game changer and represents a unique solution to military, border guard and maritime security customers looking for a smart force multiplier in the sky, but at drastically reduced operating costs.”