SA defence company says its new UAV changing landscape of drone technologies across the globe

South African defence company Milkor is being hailed in the industry for developing a cutting-edge armed drone, which stands as the continent's largest locally developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The Gauteng-headquartered outfit believes its Milkor 380 UAV could revolutionise South Africa's defence industry.

It says the UAV excels in border surveillance, maritime operations, and reconnaissance.

Bruce Whitfield interviews Daniel du Plessis, marketing and communications director at Milkor.

Du Plessis says the launch of the Milkor 380 AUV is a phenomenal feat, which also reflects on the country.

"This is officially the largest UAV that has ever been produced, developed, flown and tested on the African continent. It does put South Africa among a handful of countries to have the capability to locally develop these types of technologies

Daniel du Plessis, Marketing and Communications Director - Milkor

The drone is specifically for reconnaissance and surveillance as a primary function, he says, with weapons capability in an opportunistic engagement fashion.

It also works for non-military applications including wildlife conservation, border surveillance and special economic shipping lane surveillance.

Du Plessis adds that around 95% of the components are developed locally, which is another feat in itself.

"I think that's one of the main things that makes this project so remarkable, is that many countries be it developed or non-developed... they've struggled to put together the entire package of having a fully localised solution, and we have done that."

Daniel du Plessis, Marketing and Communications Director - Milkor