Milkor Polska, the latest member of the Milkor Group, has commenced its operations in Poland by formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AeroData AG, aiming to introduce airborne maritime surveillance capabilities to the unmanned domain.
This significant MoU was officially signed during the prestigious Paris Air Show in June, uniting Milkor South Africa with AeroData AG, a renowned supplier of airborne maritime surveillance sensors and systems. The collaborative effort seeks to provide a comprehensive maritime surveillance solution for the Milkor 380 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
The MoU signed by Aerodata and Milkor serves as a foundation for close collaboration, allowing both companies to share their expertise, technical know-how, and resources. By leveraging their strengths, they seek to develop innovative solutions that address the challenges faced in maritime surveillance.
Juandré de Bruyn, the Managing Director of Milkor Polska, expressed the company’s commitment to enhancing Poland’s capabilities, particularly in the field of unmanned aerial technology: “We are bringing new capabilities to Poland, especially in the unmanned aerial domain with our Milkor 380 UCAV. Europe is investing heavily in new UAV technologies, and our advanced aerospace offerings fit into that space. There is a need in Europe for ITAR (US International Traffic in Arms Regulations)-free platforms of this size and calibre.”
According to a DefenceWeb report, one of the key features that make this collaboration possible is the Milkor 380’s payload-agnostic architecture, which allows for a wide array of payload options to be integrated, and tailored to specific operational requirements. This flexibility gives Milkor Polska a unique advantage in the European UAV market.
The Milkor 380, a flagship UCAV, boasts impressive specifications, including an 18-meter wingspan, up to 35 hours of endurance, and a payload capacity of 210 kg (with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,300 kg). Its substantial payload capacity allows for the integration of various weapons and equipment, such as synthetic aperture radar, jammers, electro-optical gimbals, and precision-guided weapons.
Milkor’s strategic move to establish Milkor Polska in Poland is well-timed, given Poland’s growing stature as a military power in Europe. Poland’s significant investment in defence, allocating 4.25% of its GDP to the defence budget, the highest in NATO, underscores its commitment to enhancing its capabilities. Milkor Polska aims to contribute to Poland’s defence efforts while also leveraging its European presence to serve NATO and other European partners.
Milkor Polska will be showcasing its capabilities at the MSPO exhibition in Kielce, Poland, from September 5 to 8. The company will present a diverse range of weapons and systems, encompassing air, land, and sea offerings, providing an opportunity for the Polish defence industry to become acquainted with its latest partner.
With a global expansion strategy in mind, Milkor has established offices not only in Poland but also in India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, Milkor is strategically positioned to respond to changing conditions and cater to the evolving demands of the global defence market. This expansion has seen the company diversify its product lineup, encompassing everything from 40mm single- and multi-shot grenade launchers to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), armoured vehicles, and patrol craft.
Last year, Milkor was granted an investment license that allows it to make military hardware in Saudi Arabia. The process started with Milkor signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia during the World Defence Show in Riyadh earlier in March 2022.
Milkor’s line of products includes the widely popular 40 mm multiple grenade launcher, the Milkor 380 UAV, in development since 2018, the SuperSix MRGL, the single-shot grenade launcher, the Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), and MAR (Multi shot anti-riot), the Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft) and Milkor 4×4 Armoured Personnel Carrier.
