by Milkor | Aug 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
Global defence solutions provider Milkor is setting its sights on Thailand’s Defence and Security 2022 show later this month, when it will showcase its expanded range or air, land, and sea platforms as well as 40 mm weapon systems.
Milkor said its expanded weapons range has been well received in over 60 countries and is set to make a big impact in the Asian market. With offerings including the SuperSix six-shot rapid fire multiple grenade launcher, the Stopper Convertible single-shot lightweight grenade launcher, UBGL (Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher) and newly developed MAR (Multiple Anti-Riot) grenade launcher, Milkor is positioning itself as a key manufacturer and supplier of weapons within the Asian market.
Milkor has already supplied more than 65 000 of its multi-shot grenade launchers in several versions to armed forces around the world. The most recent addition to Milkor’s grenade launcher range is its automatic grenade launcher, designed to provide suppressive fire out to over 2 000 metres. The belt-fed weapon has a rate of fire of 400-500 rounds per minute and uses a variant of 40×53 mm grenade ammunition.
With a large portion of international trade in this region facilitated through well-established shipping trade routes, it is vital to ensure that threats to this export avenue are continuously monitored and dealt with accordingly, Milkor said. The company’s Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC) is available in various configurations that can aid countries in identifying and intercepting maritime crimes and threats, ensuring safe trade routes can be established between nations.
The vessel features an innovative hydrofoil-supported catamaran design, which gives a remarkably high top speed of 90 km/h and, due to the reduced drag of the hydrofoil design, better range than conventional vessels (up to 750 nautical miles). Weapon options include a 12.7 mm remotely operated turret, 20 mm cannon, 40 mm grenade launcher and missiles. The IPC has been demonstrated in the Middle East.
With Defence and Security 2022 set to be the biggest show yet in Thailand’s history, Milkor will continue building on existing relations in the region. “We are focussed on establishing long term relations with the Asian continent and setting up relevant after sales support systems. This show provides us with the necessary platform to engage with the relevant parties and showcase our abilities as a defence solution,” said Tyron Lafferty, Head of Business Development Asia at Milkor.
The company’s Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV offers the Southeast Asian countries a solution to patrol the vast number of land and sea borders effectively and efficiently. With payload capabilities including the likes of SAR/iSAR, various EO/IR cameras and advanced communication systems, Milkor says it can provide a customised solution to suit the specific end user requirements.
The flagship Milkor 380 MALE UAV has a wingspan of 18 metres and has five hardpoints: two on each wing and one at the centre of the fuselage, with the ability to carry larger systems if needed – payloads can include guided munitions. All avionics, communications, and payload integration capabilities of the aircraft have been developed in-house by Milkor.
“As we continue to build on existing relations in this region, we are excited to showcase the world leading capabilities we have to offer. Milkor wants to establish itself not only as a reliable defence equipment provider but also seek to collaborate with countries from this region to develop and enhance their local capabilities,” Lafferty said. Milkor has already opened offices in India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as it continues to build partners and expand globally.
The Thailand Defence and Security Exhibition 2022 is set to take place from 29 August to 1 September 2022 at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, where Milkor’s product range will be on display at stand N13.
by Milkor | Aug 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
Milkor Integrated Systems (MIS), the Cape Town-based subsidiary of Milkor, is making major technological and capability advancements in the communications, sensor processing and systems integration sectors.
MIS is responsible for the unmanned aerial division of the Milkor Group and is developing its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the flagship Milkor 380. All avionics, communications, and payload integration capabilities of the 18 metre wingspan aircraft have been developed in-house.
Due in part to its numerous payload possibilities, the platform can be employed for observation, reconnaissance, and opportunistic engagement. The aircraft can be fitted with guided weapons and various payloads to perform multiple operations, such as SAR/ISAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar/Inverted Synthetic Aperture Radar), Communications Intelligence (COMINT), AIS (Automatic Identification System), communications relay, and communications jammer. The airframe includes five hardpoints: two on each wing and one at the centre of the fuselage, with the ability to carry larger systems if needed.
The continuous development of its UAV programmes allows MIS to establish the company’s bedrock of capabilities in internal systems development and system integration. A main success factor in the establishment of these capabilities is owed to the strategically located testing and manufacturing facility in Cape Town, with its access to vast unrestricted airspace for testing unmanned aerial vehicles, Milkor explained.
MIS has grown its engineering team, and has matured its primary capability offerings, particularly in the areas of sensor integration (especially regarding Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR), sensor fusion, communication networks, simulations and training systems. MIS is not only able to apply these technologies to their own platforms but also able to integrate them into existing platforms on the market, prolonging usability of in-service platforms.
“Our capabilities can now be used in a wide range of market requirements. We offer upgrading of communication systems, modernisation of software and integration of various sub-systems for air, land and sea applications,” said Ghaazim Rylands, CEO of Milkor Integrated Systems.
During the concept phase of the UAV programmes, MIS soon realised the inherent need to establish modern internal software and hardware development capability. According to Milkor this distinguishes its unmanned capability from many of its competitors around the world.
“The ability to control all critical aspects of the system is crucial for longevity and continuation of supply of our systems,” said Rylands.
With the 4th industrial revolution making waves in all sectors of defence, MIS does not fall short of its commitment to sustain the ever-evolving technological requirements from defence clients. As a response, MIS recently added proficiency in big data, artificial intelligence and system certification to its portfolio, expanding its value proposition to these clients even further, the company said.
In addition to the defence sector, these technologies will soon become a key player in some civilian applications. Unmanned maritime sea bed mapping, mining, autonomous transport, sensor fusion and business process automation are to name but a few potentially disruptive areas the company is targeting.
Milkor has also been successful in establishing strong collaborative partnerships with local and international stakeholders within the defence and the civilian market. With long term goals cemented, the future of MIS and all its offerings will have far reaching effects, the company affirms.
Milkor Integrated Systems was launched in mid-2019 with the focus of merging the company’s unmanned capabilities and programmes. It aims to be a supplier of choice to countries that require solutions from independent self-reliant suppliers, especially countries with emerging industries that struggle to access technology, products, and solutions.
MIS will showcase its capabilities at the September 2022 edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Milkor is the Diamond sponsor, and will be highlighting its various products and services at the exhibition, from its 4×4 armoured vehicle to UAVs and its inshore patrol craft.
by Milkor | Aug 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
Milkor, a South African based defence group, established itself in 1981 and gained widespread popularity due to their design and development of the first 6-shot 40mm MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher). Since then, Milkor has expanded their weapon range significantly, improving the capabilities of armed forces worldwide.
Milkor has been steadily developing and expanding their arsenal of weapons, which includes their flagship the SuperSix MRGL, single shot grenade launcher the Stopper Convertible, the Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) and MAR (Multi shot anti-riot). Each weapon has meticulously been developed by end user feedback in combination with expertise of Milkor’s in house weapons design experts, ensuring weapons that are designed to the highest standards. Having supplied their weapons to more than 60 countries worldwide, Milkor’s weapons platform has already proven its capability in the field.
The SuperSix has the capability to fire 40mm less lethal, Low and Medium Velocity NATO ammunition in quick succession. With the effective range of lethal ammunition ranging from 30m to 800m (ammunition dependant) the SuperSix enables the operator to have a strategic advantage in scenarios ranging from Guerrilla and CQB type combat to medium range defensive and offensive operations compared to a traditional small calibre rifle.
With the evolution of 40mm High Explosive Dual purpose (HEDP) ammo a soldier is able to engage a wide variety of targets from demobilising and penetrating wheeled vehicles to anti-personnel applications. With skilled operators being able to fire 6 rounds in 3 seconds, one is able to or cover a large area with lethal shrapnel very effectively. Even in its shortest-range configuration, the SuperSix is a far more versatile weapon in terms of effective range, fire rate and area coverage to other explosive projectile platforms for example the RPG. Loaded with HEDP ammunition, and thus having a lethal radius of 5m and armoured steel penetrating depth of 50mm the Super Six is an invaluable tool in the arsenal of special forces, border patrol, vehicle and infantry squads alike.
In situations where a grenade launcher (GL) would be beneficial, but the operation is not ideal for primary carry, the Stopper Convertible can easily be equipped as a secondary weapon due to its size and lightweight design. At just 2.1kg its compact size makes it the ideal addition to any operation, with skilled operators being able to fire up to 12 rounds per minute at ranges up to 400m. The Stopper Convertible is able to fire less lethal 37/38mm and 40mm Low Velocity rounds, making it ideal for gendarmerie and tactical forces in urban operations.
The Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) is Milkor’s assault rifle rail mounted grenade launcher. Milkor’s UBGL is able to mount and dismount fast and effectively due to the unique attachment mechanism used. The UBGL can be mounted onto MIR STD 1913 picatinny rails, however Milkor does also offer mounting to various other gun platforms, most notably the AK family. At just 1.1kg the UBGL is one of the lightest under barrel grenade launchers on the market. The UBGL has a unique swing open loading and recocking method, which increases reliability, but this design also moves the centre of gravity (COG) more towards the centre of the rifle, increasing the stability and ease of operation. The option between left hand and right-hand reloading combined with the button-trigger and safety mechanism ensures the operator can fully operate and shoot the weapon without altering their normal rifle grip. The UBGL also enables the operator to engage a threat whose position is known, rather than having to directly hit the target as with a rifle.
Milkor has proven itself with the development of the first MGL, but with the expansion of their now impressive weapons arsenal they also prove that they are able to keep up with the demand and ever-changing battle conditions, to provide their clients with the force advantage no matter the circumstances.
by Milkor | Aug 16, 2022 | Uncategorized
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral part of modern warfare. Over the past two decades, military drones have primarily been used for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions and precision airstrikes. The newest generation of UAVs are equipped with ever more sophisticated technology allowing these platforms to complete a wider variety of operational requirements such as; Search and rescue-, Signal Intelligence (SIGINT)-, and Electronic warfare (EW) missions.
Milkor, one of South Africa’s largest defence conglomerates, has established itself as a fierce contender in the unmanned aerospace sector, with multiple platforms being produced since its expansion in 2016. The company’s newest platform, the Milkor 380, has been in development since the completion of its concept in 2018. Milkor says its platform is nearing completion, with flight test results expected towards the end of the year.
Ghaazim Rylands, Chief Executive Officer of Milkor Integrated Systems- The conglomerates’ platform design authority, has expressed their continuous evaluation of critical safety systems, operational data, platform architecture, and structural improvements to produce a system that is unlike any other system currently being offered.
Milkor’s 380 platform is designed with the modern battlefield in mind allowing the system to act as a “guardian in the sky” during complex operations. The airframe includes five hardpoints that allow interchangeability between various user-specific systems, two on each wing and one at the centre of the fuselage, with the ability to carry larger systems if needed. The avionics, designed and developed internally by Milkor’s engineering teams adds to the integrity of aircraft stability, maneuverability, and ease of use for its operators.
Rylands highlights the development of its stateof-the-art ground control station (GCS), featuring the latest technology for its operators. “The GCS is sophisticated yet simple and comfortable for long endurance missions. The team used input from experienced UAV pilots to create an environment where operators can truly focus on their objective, without unnecessary distractions”. According to Milkor’s published platform specifications, the system has a maximum endurance of 35 hours, a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1300 kg, and an external payload capacity of 210 kg.
A notable achievement by Milkor’s communications team is the successful development of its Line-of-sight (LOS) communications system. The MILKOR 380 uses a relayed line of sight (RLOS) communication network, significantly increasing its operational range. In addition, the platform offers optional satellite communications (SATCOM), extending the operational range even further. UAVs are frequent headliners in modern warfare operations, evident in recent global conflicts. Milkor explains that its platform and technology are filling the gap that still exists in the unmanned aerospace sector. Ownership of data, system adaptability, maintenance, support, and the freedom of Milkor’s operational expansion all play a critical role for an operator successfully adopting the Milkor 380 platform.
The Milkor 380 will be displayed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition held in South Africa from the 21st-25th of September 2022, where Milkor is the Diamond Sponsor. Milkor will also show its full range of land, sea, and weapon offerings at the event.
by Milkor | Aug 16, 2022 | Uncategorized
As the Diamond Sponsor of the 2022 edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, Milkor is looking forward to showcasing its new developments since the last African Aerospace and Defence expo in 2018.
There are less than 100 days to go until the start of the exhibition, which takes place at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 21 to 25 September.
According to Daniel du Plessis, Milkor marketing director for AAD, “Milkor has strengthened each of its portfolios in every sector of air, land, and sea due to our continual commitment to push the boundaries of innovation.”
“With its dependable and best-in-breed products, Milkor is already a well-regarded global defence solution producer,” he said.
For decades best known for its range of multiple grenade launchers, Milkor has over the last couple of years further developed and expanded its weapons range, with improvements covering the Milkor AGL (Automatic Grenade Launcher), UBGL (Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher) and new MAR (Multiple Anti-Riot) grenade launcher.
Milkor made a splash at AAD 2018 when it unveiled three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and since then has evolved its flagship Milkor 380 long-endurance, medium-altitude airborne platform. All avionics, communications, and payload integration capabilities have been developed in-house, drawing on experience acquired through the platforms featured at AAD 2018, and market research.
Due in part to its numerous payload possibilities, the platform can be employed for observation, reconnaissance, and opportunistic engagement. The 18 metre wingspan aircraft can be fitted with guided weapons and various payloads to perform multiple operations, such as SAR/ISAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar/Inverted Synthetic Aperture Radar), Communications Intelligence (COMINT), AIS (Automatic Identification System), communications relay, and communications jammer. The airframe includes five hardpoints: two on each wing and one at the centre of the fuselage, with the ability to carry larger systems if needed.
Du Plessis said the development of the Milkor 380 can significantly improve the capability of the various branches of service of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which is already using small UAVs and is looking at additional platforms for border patrol. Globally, there is a trend towards larger UAVs of this size.
Since 2018 Milkor’s Naval department has grown substantially, reacting to market demand, and at AAD 2022 will showcase its flagship naval vessel, the Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft). This, du Plessis says, is the ultimate patrol vessel suited for any navy, coast guard or military. “The vessel is a one of a kind in the industry and is built for long endurance missions. Operations of up to five days can easily be accomplished through a unique design and layout that combines crew comfort with operational functionality that is suited for surveillance and potential engagement. Various features and configurations of the Milkor IPC will be on display at AAD 2022 highlighting Milkor’s marine design and manufacturing capabilities.”
Since debuting its Milkor 4×4 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) at the previous edition of AAD in 2018, the company has further developed the vehicle to suit end-user requirements. The original vehicle was built with high ground clearance and high level offroad performance ideally suited to challenging African terrain. The vehicle’s operational capability has been expanded to deployment in the desert with the option of an inline central tyre inflation system and an upgraded cooling package. Multiple electronic sensors and remote-control weapons stations (RCWS) have been integrated to increase the mission capability, situational awareness, and personnel safety of the vehicle.
“As the Diamond Sponsor of the AAD 2022 edition, Milkor intends to further extend their consumer market and looks forward to displaying their world-leading technologies as part of the South African defence sector,” Du Plessis concluded.
