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2024-04-04

Milkor Unveils 380 UAV in Dazzling DIMDEX Display

Milkor took the spotlight at DIMDEX recently, where it showcased its latest military hardware. Leading the display was the Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an indication to the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in defence technology.

Halcon Desert Sting 16 glide weapons and Thales FZ602 rocket launchers equipped with Thales FZ275 LG rockets were part of the display.

Boasting a payload capacity of up to 400 kg under the fuselage and 230 kg under each wing, the Milkor 380 is propelled by a turbocharged piston engine giving an endurance of 35 hours and a range exceeding 2,000 km.

The Milkor 380 stands as the largest UAV ever designed, developed, and manufactured on the African continent.

Armand Bodenstein, Milkor’s Business Development Director, stated: “Milkor’s participation at DIMDEX 2024 underscores our unwavering commitment to expanding our global footprint while fostering strong ties with the esteemed Qatar end users. Our engagements with local stakeholders reflect our ongoing efforts to solidify our position as a premier partner for both the Qatar industry and local end users.”

Tactical Unveiling

Also showcased at DIMDEX 2024 were Milkor’s array of 40 mm weapons systems and scale models featuring the Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft) and Milkor 4×4 armoured personnel carrier.

“Milkor’s proactive engagement in global defence exhibitions underscores its pivotal role in the international defence market. As it continues to innovate and forge partnerships on a global scale, Milkor remains the standard-bearer of South Africa’s technological supremacy in defence,” the company said.

Global Security Showcase

Milkor maintains a prominent presence on the global defence stage, actively participating in some of the world’s most significant exhibitions. In the past month, the company showcased its latest technologies at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia.

Further emphasising its strategic involvement, Milkor assumes the role of the diamond sponsor for Africa’s premier defence exposition, the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024. Scheduled to take place in September in Pretoria, South Africa, the AAD 2024 event is a key platform for industry leaders, defence professionals, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in aerospace and defence technologies.

As the diamond sponsor, Milkor’s sponsorship plays a pivotal role in contributing to the success and significance of this event.

“This sponsorship not only reaffirms Milkor’s dedication to propelling South African defence technology onto the global stage but also cements Milkor as a global market leader in the defence market,” the company said.

Evolving from its inception as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the 40 mm multiple grenade launcher, Milkor has expanded into UAVs, armoured land vehicles, and naval vessels. Its diverse product portfolio now ranges from single shot and six-shot grenade launchers to armed and unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles, the Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft) and Milkor 4×4 Armoured Personnel Carrier.

Milkor UCAV

The Milkor UCAV earlier emerged as a ground-breaking platform after its first successful test flights were completed in South Africa.

It was designed by Milkor UAE and developed by its South African defence counterpart, Milkor Integrated Systems.

The company has a long history of producing various military equipment, including naval vessels, grenade launchers and less-lethal weapons. The Milkor UCAV boasts a distinctive design that distinguishes it from other UCAVs. It is a wide-wing, compact drone with a slender fuselage and Y-tail.

The unique design helps improve aerodynamic efficiency, stability, and manoeuvrability, enabling the UCAV to excel in various mission profiles.

The drone is equipped with a robust and modular payload system, allowing for the integration of various mission-specific equipment, including surveillance cameras, electronic warfare systems, and precision-guided munitions. The adaptability of the payload system makes the Milkor UCAV suitable for a wide range of roles, from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to strike missions.

The Milkor UCAV stands out for its impressive propulsion system, featuring a modified turbocharged engine that delivers a unique blend of speed and range. This specialised engine enables the UCAV to operate at high altitudes, ensuring extended flight durations and enhancing operational flexibility. The UCAV incorporates radar absorbent material (RAM) skin, effectively minimising its radar cross-section by absorbing Radio Frequency radiation.

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