South African company Milkor heads to LAAD 2025 with a full range of defense solutions for South American countries.

On March 31, 2025, Milkor, a South African company founded in 1981, shared more details about its participation in the LAAD 2025 exhibition scheduled from April 1 to 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The company is set to present a range of unmanned aerial systems, land vehicles, naval platforms, and weapon systems developed to meet a broad spectrum of operational requirements. The presentation of these systems is intended to address the specific challenges faced by military and security agencies in South America, including border control, maritime surveillance, peacekeeping, and internal security.
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Among the platforms mentioned in Milkor's tweet are the Milkor 380 drone, the IPC catamaran, the Vanguard MRAP, and the SuperSix grenade launcher. (Picture source: Milkor)

One of the main systems Milkor will feature is the Milkor 380, a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (MALE UAV) designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike roles. The aircraft operates at altitudes of up to 23,000 feet and has a range of over 4,000 kilometers, with an endurance of up to 30 hours. It is equipped with Electro-Optical/Infrared sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and five hardpoints for mission payloads. As previously analyzed by Army Recognition, these capabilities are suitable for prolonged ISR operations across geographically diverse regions such as the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, and surrounding maritime zones. The 380 is also designed to support both military and civilian agencies, including environmental monitoring and border enforcement.

Milkor will also offer the Vanguard and BushCat armored vehicles, as well as the Frontier 4×4 light tactical platform, which were previously showcased at AAD 2024. The Vanguard is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle with a mass of approximately 16 tons. It is certified to NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4A and 4B standards, offering protection against 10 kg anti-tank mine blasts under any wheel or the hull. It also provides Level 3 ballistic protection and seats up to ten personnel. Powered by a 450-horsepower engine and equipped with independent suspension, it has a top speed of 100 km/h and a range of 900 kilometers. The BushCat Armored Personnel Carrier is designed for all-terrain operations and can be adapted for multiple roles. The Frontier 4×4 is a light vehicle developed for rapid deployment, with variants for transport, utility, and special operations. Its off-road capabilities enable operation in both urban and rural environments.

Milkor's naval product line, mainly offered through its subsidiary Milkor UAE, includes platforms intended for both coastal and inland waterway operations. For instance, the Commander is a 16.5-meter patrol vessel with a maximum speed of 45 knots and a range of 500 nautical miles, which could accommodate up to 12 personnel and is intended for law enforcement and maritime patrol duties. The Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC) is a 12-meter hydrofoil-assisted catamaran capable of reaching 50 knots and covering up to 750 nautical miles, with a five-day endurance and a four-person crew. It is designed with a modular wheelhouse to support various payloads, including surveillance systems and weapon stations. Additional naval assets created by Milkor include the Milkor Interceptor, a 30-meter patrol vessel designed for high-speed pursuit and interception missions; the Milkor Arsenal, an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) with extended endurance and payload flexibility for maritime surveillance; and the Milkor Ripper series of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) ranging from 6 to 15 meters, available in multiple configurations such as open hulls, cabins, and troop transport variants.

Milkor will also present its SuperSix Multiple Range Grenade Launcher (MRGL), a semi-automatic 40mm system with a rotating six-shot cylinder. Capable of firing six rounds in under three seconds and supporting both low-velocity (effective up to 400 meters) and medium-velocity (effective up to 800 meters) ammunition types, this grande launcher could also be used with less-lethal rounds such as smoke and blunt impact grenades. Other 40mm systems include the MK1S and MK1L grenade launchers. The MK1S features a stainless steel construction and Picatinny rails for accessory mounting. The MK1L has a longer cylinder for compatibility with specialized rounds such as tear gas. The Stopper Convertible is a single-shot launcher configurable for 40mm or 37/38mm calibers, and the Multiple Anti-Riot (MAR) launcher is designed for crowd control purposes. The Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) is intended for integration with standard infantry rifles, adding grenade capability without significant weight or bulk. The Milkor OEG Sight, for its part, is an optical aiming device using fiber optics and tritium for illumination without batteries, designed for use with both grenade launchers and assault rifles.