South African defence and aerospace company Milkor has, with the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg now only a few weeks away, highlighted the capabilities of its Milkor 380 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). This aircraft had a wingspan of 18.6 m, a maximum take-off weight of 1 500 kg and can carry a payload of 220 kg. It was developed entirely in South Africa, except for its powerplant, and is currently the largest UAV to have been developed in Africa.

“As global leaders convene in South Africa for the G20, this UAV highlights how local innovation can contribute to international security dialogues, particularly in areas like maritime domain awareness and counter-terrorism,” affirmed the company. “By prioritizing local manufacturing, Milkor reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, aligning with national policies for industrial growth. The UAV's success at events like the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition in 2024 demonstrates South Africa's capacity to compete on the world stage, attracting partnerships and exports. As the G20 approaches, the Milkor 380 serves as a symbol of African innovation, encouraging discussions on knowledge sharing and collaborative security frameworks.”

The Milkor 380 had an operational endurance of up to 35 hours and can operate at altitudes of up to 30 000 ft. It is equipped with autonomous take-off and landing systems and can be fitted with a wide variety of equipment, allowing it to be adapted for different missions. These systems can include electro-optical/infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), signals intelligence pods, and electronic warfare systems. And it can be armed with precision guided munitions. Further, it can be fitted with a satellite communications system which will allow it to be controlled from a distance of up to 4 000 km. Altogether, the result is, the company affirmed, a MALE UAV that is competitive in global markets.

Moreover, the South African company had recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean enterprise Hanwha Systems. Under this, the latter’s active electronically-scanned array SAR will be integrated onto the Milkor 380.

The UAV can carry out a wide variety of missions, carrying the appropriate sensors and other payloads in each case. These include – border surveillance; maritime domain surveillance; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and strike missions.

“The Milkor 380 is more than a UAV; it is a testament to South African ingenuity and technological self-sufficiency,” highlighted Milkor. “This achievement highlights South Africa's ability to innovate amid global challenges, fostering job creation and skills development in high-tech industries.”