Germany-based Aerodata AG and South Africa-based Milkor (Pty) Ltd, along with its Polish group company Milkor Polska Sp. z o.o., have joined forces through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance unmanned airborne maritime surveillance.
The partnership between these two prominent companies was officially established during the esteemed Paris Air Show and represents a significant step forward in the advancement of airborne surveillance technologies.
Aerodata AG is renowned for its expertise in providing specialized mission solutions and cutting-edge airborne sensor technology. Their mission systems are at the forefront of innovation and have gained recognition worldwide. On the other hand, Milkor (Pty) Ltd and its European subsidiary Milkor Polska Sp. z o.o. are respected defense solution providers, offering comprehensive solutions for air, land, and sea domains.
The collaboration between Aerodata and Milkor focuses on the integration of Aerodata’s advanced mission system and airborne sensor technology into Milkor’s state-of-the-art unmanned airborne system, the Milkor 380. By combining their respective capabilities, the two companies aim to revolutionize maritime surveillance operations by transitioning from manned to unmanned platforms.
Unmanned aerial systems have gained increasing importance in the field of surveillance due to their numerous advantages over traditional manned operations. Unmanned systems offer enhanced endurance, extended range, and the ability to operate in hazardous or inaccessible environments. Furthermore, they reduce risks to human life and enable cost-effective and efficient monitoring of vast maritime areas.
Through this strategic alliance, Aerodata and Milkor are poised to provide cutting-edge solutions for maritime surveillance, catering to the evolving needs of defense and security agencies. The integration of Aerodata’s mission system with Milkor’s Milkor 380 will enable the unmanned system to gather crucial data, monitor maritime activities, and identify potential threats effectively.
The MoU signed by Aerodata and Milkor serves as a foundation for a close collaboration, allowing both companies to share their expertise, technical know-how, and resources. By leveraging their strengths, they seek to develop innovative solutions that address the challenges faced in maritime surveillance.
The partnership formed between these German and South African/European entities not only highlights the significance of international cooperation in the defense and aerospace industries but also underscores the growing demand for unmanned systems in maritime surveillance. With the combination of cutting-edge technology and comprehensive defense solutions, Aerodata and Milkor are poised to make a substantial impact on the future of airborne maritime surveillance.
Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle
The all-new Milkor 380 UAV is designed to conduct a diverse range of operations including surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes.
Milkor will supply the first of the all-new Milkor 380 medium-altitude and long-endurance unmanned system to the South African Department of Defence for testing and possible operationalization.
The drone was first officially launched officially at the 2021 International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), in Abu Dhabi.
This UAV has a flying endurance of 35 hours and can fly up to an altitude of 30,000 feet. This UAV has 5 hardpoints and can carry a weapon load of 210 kilograms.
The Milkor 380 drone was one of the main attraction at the recent Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, held in Pretoria, South Africa.
Milkor displayed the UAV alongside Al Tariq X-series precision guided munitions, Halcon Desert Sting DS-16 guided bombs, FZ602 laser-guided rocket launchers, and Airborne Technologies’ Self Contained Aerial Reconnaissance (SCAR) Pod.
Milkor business appears to be growing exponentially following its last year’s announcement that it was expanding its footprint into Saudi Arabia and has been granted an investment license that allows it to make weapons in the Arab country.
The process started with Milkor signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia during the World Defence Show in Riyadh earlier in March, 2022.
The MOU seeks to allow Milkor to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia, which was followed by the investment license which has been granted. And now, registration is ongoing says Milkor.