In the heart of the exhibition center at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, lies Milkor’s exhibition booth which featured a model of the largest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built in Africa, as well as a model of Milkor’s 4×4 armoured vehicle.
The military equipment were displayed at the Africa Airforce Forum which took place in Abuja, Nigeria on 23 to 25, May 2024.
The Milkor 380 is a multi-functional airborne platform that can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance and opportunistic engagement operations. With a wide variety of payload options, the 380 acts as a guardian in the sky and can conduct extended-range and long-endurance missions. World-leading optical equipment integration onto the 380 platform provides real-time high-definition, infrared, and multispectral video, and data acquisition that is transmitted over remote receivers. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (iSAR) for maritime monitoring are both technologies that are included in the Milkor 380 platform.
According to Milkor’s Business Development Manager Julian Gardner, Milkor’s 380 drone platform presents a cutting-edge solution to meet the growing demand for intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. It can stay in the air for up to 35 hours, and can carry a payload of upto 210 kg. The drone made its first inaugural flight in September last year.
In 2022, Milkor announced that it will supply the first of the all-new Milkor 380 medium-altitude and long-endurance unmanned system to the South African Department of Defence for testing and possible operationalization. Milkor has designated the initial five units of this UAV for domestic utilization, with the first aircraft already undergoing comprehensive testing and evaluation at its expansive 10,000 square meter manufacturing facility located in Cape Town. This commitment was solidified through a memorandum of understanding signed between Milkor, Armscor, and the South African Air Force at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) expo held in September 2022.
Other product exhibited includes the Milkor’s 4×4 armoured personnel carrier. The Milkor 4×4 is a new armoured personnel carrier (APC) developed by Milkor. It is designed to meet the infantry carrier requirements of armed forces in the African continent, the Milkor 4×4 APC is used for troop transportation, casualty evacuation, and riot control missions.
It can be deployed by police forces, law enforcement agencies, security forces and militaries across the world.
Milkor officially unveiled the APC at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2018 international defence exhibition held in Centurion, South Africa, in September 2018. The armoured transport vehicle (TOMP) configuration of the Milkor 4×4 was displayed at the exhibition.
Production of the vehicle started in 2018 and Milkor received the first order from an undisclosed customer during AAD 2018.
The vehicle is based on a reinforced commercial chassis integrating a 4×4 wheel drive configuration. It encompasses a conventional vehicle layout with the engine stationed in the front, crew section in the middle and a troop compartment in the rear.
The monocoque hull structure of the vehicle offers a high degree of stability, flexibility, and strength required during key missions. It also enhances the reliability and operational efficiency of the vehicle.
For the infantry, Julian presented the SuperSix multiple grenade launcher system. The 40mm SuperSix MRGL is a versatile fifth-generation, 6-shot launcher with chambers varying from 105mm to 160mm depending on customer requirements. The optional extra chamber lengths enable this weapon to fire an extended variety of standard and medium-range ammunition for different applications. The effective range of the SuperSix is 800 meters (with medium velocity ammunition). Rounds can be fired in rapid succession of 6 rounds in less than 3 seconds.
The SuperSix is a semi-automatic weapon designed with simplicity to offer uncompromising reliability and efficiency, ideal for vehicle-mounted applications. The SuperSix is carefully designed for use by armed forces where extreme versatility is needed in a rapidly moving armored personnel combat or peacekeeping environment. armored personnel carriers and helicopter gunships can be fitted with the SuperSix.
Milkor’s sea system includes the MILKOR IPC, a hydrofoil-assisted catamaran vessel designed for both manned and unmanned operations, marking a significant advancement in naval capabilities. The versatility of this vessel extends patrol durations by transitioning between autonomous and crewed modes, allowing the crew crucial rest periods while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Trials of the MILKOR IPC have concluded successfully, and the company is currently engaged in procurement discussions with an undisclosed Middle Eastern country, positioning itself as a useful asset in maritime security.
The hydrofoil-assisted catamaran boasts a stealth design that minimizes radar cross-section, particularly crucial in the challenging coastal waters environment where late detection by radars is anticipated. The catamaran configuration not only enhances seaworthiness but also addresses the challenges lightweight vessels face in adverse sea conditions, as highlighted by company officials.
While MILKOR IPC excels in coast guard and surveillance missions, its adaptability extends to offensive capabilities, featuring two lightweight torpedoes and a remote weapon station (RWS) on the showcased scale model. Additionally, the vessel provides the option to integrate two more RWSs, making it a formidable choice for base protection missions against both surface and sub-surface threats