With its advanced capabilities, including long flight endurance and high-resolution surveillance systems, the UAV is set to play a pivotal role in helping African governments tackle cross-border crimes.

Daniel du Plessis, Communications Director at Milkor, described the significance of the Milkor 380, which is the largest UAV ever to be designed, tested, and produced in Africa. "The Milkor 380 offers remarkable versatility, capable of serving multiple roles in surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering," he said. "We are particularly proud that it was developed right here in SA, with applications suited not only to local needs but to the broader African context."

The Milkor 380 can fly more than 4000 kilometres and remain airborne for over 35 hours, making it ideal for military and security operations, particularly in challenging environments. Its design makes it a valuable tool for SA’s Border Management Authority, the police, and other security forces in the region.

Border security remains a significant concern across Africa, where porous borders often facilitate criminal activities such as human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal immigration. The Milkor 380 UAV provides real-time aerial surveillance, helping authorities identify illegal activities and detect patterns that could indicate criminal operations.

"Given the harsh conditions in many parts of Africa, extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and crosswinds, the UAV was specifically built to perform under these circumstances," du Plessis explained. "The Milkor 380 is tailored for the African landscape, offering long-range, high-endurance surveillance that is vital for monitoring borders effectively."

Although the UAV is already on the market, its current users are not publicly disclosed due to confidentiality agreements with government entities. However, it is available to other African nations facing similar border security challenges. Compared to manned aircraft, which are limited to about eight hours of continuous flight, the Milkor 380’s ability to fly for up to 35 hours offers a significant advantage, providing more extensive coverage and enabling faster response times with real-time data.

The Milkor 380’s ability to patrol vast and difficult-to-access border regions is particularly valuable for African countries with expansive borders. It aids in detecting and preventing illegal crossings, human trafficking, smuggling, wildlife poaching, and other illicit activities that often go undetected.

Beyond its military applications, the UAV is also seeing interest in commercial sectors, positioning Africa as a growing hub for drone technology. "This UAV represents a major leap forward for the continent," said du Plessis. "While unmanned aerial vehicles are already in use in various sectors, the Milkor 380 stands out as one of the few medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs manufactured in Africa."

--ChannelAfrica--