S.African firm seals anti-riot vehicle deal with Brazil

A South African military manufacturer has sealed a deal to supply Brazilian police with anti-riot vehicles ahead of next year’s football World Cup, it said on Tuesday.

Paramount Group, a private firm, will deliver the undisclosed number of armoured vehicles in the last quarter of the year, it said in a statement.

The value of the contract, which went out to local and global manufacturers, was not revealed.

Brazil hosts the World Cup next year and the Olympics in 2016.

The equipment “will play a critical role in the security infrastructure for both these events” the firm said.

The Maverick internal security vehicle will be used in the state of Rio de Janeiro, including by special forces within the military police, it said.

The vehicles have been used in Gabon during the Africa Cup of Nations and in Congo Brazzaville.

According to the firm’s website, the Maverick is built to protect against close-range armour-piercing rounds and hand grenades under the vehicle.

It can carry a crew of up to 14 with equipment.

Paramount is the continent’s largest defence and aerospace firm, the company said.