Milkor Keeps South Africa in Global UAV Race with Milkor 380.

South African private defense company Milkor has positioned the country among the top global producers of large uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) with the development of the Milkor 380. This medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV is the largest drone ever produced in South Africa, ensuring that the nation remains competitive in the global UAV market. Milkor fully financed the project and is currently manufacturing the first batch of these advanced UAVs.
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The Milkor 380 offers a high level of autonomy, although it remains under human supervision, with automatic take-off and landing capabilities (Picture source: Milkor)

Milkor’s marketing and communications director, Daniel du Plessis, highlights the growing demand for UAVs. Recognizing this market potential, the company began building a UAV design and production team from the ground up. Over the last five years, the team has grown to 350 employees, with 80% being engineers. The challenge was to develop nearly every component of the Milkor 380 in-house, from its airframe and avionics to its communications systems. However, the engine and payloads, such as sensors or weapon systems, are sourced externally.

The Milkor 380 offers a high level of autonomy, although it remains under human supervision, with automatic take-off and landing capabilities. It can operate within a 250-kilometer range via a ground-based control station but can be managed over much longer distances using satellite communications. This flexibility allows for a wide range of operational missions, including intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, maritime and border surveillance, as well as armed strike capabilities if necessary.

In terms of performance, the UAV has a range of over 2,000 kilometers and an endurance of 35 hours, with a fuel capacity of 515 kilograms and a payload limit of 220 kilograms. The aircraft’s speed can reach up to 250 kilometers per hour, with a cruising speed between 110 and 150 kilometers per hour. It can fly at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet, though its normal operating altitude is between 15,000 and 18,000 feet.

The Milkor 380 can be equipped with weapons for combat roles, its endurance and range are reduced when configured in this way (Picture source: Milkor)

Although the Milkor 380 can be equipped with weapons for combat roles, its endurance and range are reduced when configured in this way. Du Plessis also points out that, like other MALE UAVs, the Milkor 380 is vulnerable to modern shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles and is not intended for high-intensity combat zones. Instead, it is most effective in support roles during low-intensity conflicts, which are common in parts of Africa. In such scenarios, the armed version of the UAV can provide essential air cover for ground forces.

The Milkor 380 will be showcased at the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2024 exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof, near Pretoria, where it has already generated substantial international interest, particularly from other African nations. According to Du Plessis, the UAV is designed to serve as a strategic national asset, demonstrating its importance to both South Africa’s defense capabilities and its standing in the global UAV market.