South African defence company Milkor has announced plans to significantly increase the production of its Milkor 380 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). This decision comes in response to growing global interest in the Milkor 380, which is currently the largest UAV produced in Africa and is expected to rank among the world’s top ten Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs in terms of operational capability.
Production Expansion Plans
In an interview with Army Recognition on September 16, 2024, Daniel du Plessis, Marketing and Communications Director of Milkor, revealed that the company aims to double its annual production rate from 8 to 16 units by 2026. This ambitious plan is supported by the recent expansion of Milkor’s facilities in Cape Town, South Africa. The new 10,000-square-meter building consolidates all previous research and development (R&D) functions and creates new areas for offices, production, testing, and subsystem integration.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The Cape Town location offers several logistical advantages for the production and development of the Milkor 380. Its proximity to South African Air Force bases such as Air Force Base Langebaanweg, Air Force Base Ysterplaat, and Overberg Air Force Base provides essential infrastructure for pilot training, aircraft operations, and weapons testing. Additionally, Cape Town’s harbor and international airport facilitate access to necessary raw materials, further enhancing the production process.
Technological Advancements and Capabilities
Milkor has developed several key components of the Milkor 380 in-house, including its communications, avionics, automation, and control systems. Over the past five years, the team has expanded to 350 employees, 80% of whom are engineers. The Milkor 380 is equipped with optical systems for high-definition, infrared, and multispectral imaging, providing real-time situational awareness and enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance effectiveness.
The adaptable airframe of the Milkor 380 is equipped with five hardpoints that can carry various payloads, such as sensor pods, electronic warfare systems, glide bombs, precision-guided munitions, and missiles. This versatility allows the UAV to suit different mission requirements, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and precision strikes. For instance, the AeroForce 380, developed in collaboration with the German company Aerodata AG, is a new variant specifically optimized for maritime surveillance and suitable for Navy or Coast Guard monitoring operations.
International Interest and Future Prospects
Milkor is in advanced negotiations with Saudi Arabia over a potential order for its 380 UCAV, which the company says it can fully assemble and manufacture in the kingdom. Additionally, Milkor plans to supply the first of its all-new Milkor 380 drones to the South African Department of Defence for testing and possible operationalization.
Looking ahead, Milkor will build five airframes next year, with the maiden flight for the Milkor 380 UAV also scheduled around the same time. The company is also hoping to sell 12 of its new Milkor 380 drones to the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is looking to procure drones due to renewed fighting with the M23 rebels.
Milkor’s plans to double the production of its Milkor 380 UCAVs reflect the growing demand for advanced unmanned aerial systems in Africa and beyond.
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