Milkor, a prominent defence conglomerate in South Africa, has solidified its global presence in the aerospace sector as a formidable contender. Headquartered in Pretoria, this defence equipment manufacturer, specializing in land, air, sea, and cyber weaponry, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first African company to produce the largest drone with an impressive payload.
After a lengthy production period of three years and seven months, the first-ever Made-in-Africa drone, the Milkor 380, has successfully completed its maiden flight. This significant achievement marks a remarkable milestone in drone technology, particularly for the African continent. The Milkor 380 boasts an expansive wingspan of 18.6 meters, an impressive continuous flight time of up to 35 hours, a substantial range reaching 2,000 kilometres, and a maximum altitude of 9,000 meters.
Milkor is presently conducting regular test flights and aims to have four drones ready for the market by the end of 2023. Operated remotely from the ground by a team of three operators, a pilot, a commander, and an onboard equipment controller. The Milkor 380’s size plays a crucial role in determining its carrying capacity. Daniel du Plessis, the company’s business development manager, emphasised the significance of the drone’s size, stating that a larger drone can accommodate heavier sensors and even weapons, thus broadening its operational capabilities.
Equipped with advanced infrared and high-resolution cameras, the Milkor 380 is designed to undertake a diverse range of tasks, including observation, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and offensive missions. Its applications extend to conservation efforts, anti-poaching measures on land and sea, as well as border control operations.
The recent launch of the Border Management Authority by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa underscores the crucial need for enhanced security measures at the nation’s borders, particularly in curbing illegal immigration and various criminal activities. Locally manufactured drones, such as the Milkor 380, are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, offering customizable solutions tailored to the specific needs of various African countries.
In addition to the drone’s capabilities, Milkor provides a range of services to potential buyers, including comprehensive maintenance programs, logistics support for fuel and spare parts, operator training, and the establishment of satellite and ground-based communication infrastructure.
While the pricing details remain undisclosed, it is evident that the value proposition of Milkor’s drones aligns with their robust features and capabilities. Notably, these drones are entirely manufactured in South Africa, underscoring the continent’s burgeoning potential and its growing significance as a key player in the global technological landscape. This milestone signifies Africa’s substantial contributions and its pivotal role as an active participant, rather than a mere observer, in the realm of cutting-edge technology.
