Milkor, the South Africa-based company largely known for its Air, Land, Sea and Weapon offerings focussing largely on infantry operations has expanded their platforms to offer valuable solutions to Police, Homeland security, Gendarmeries, Coast guards and Security groups in the areas of Less-lethal engagements, anti-riot capabilities and large crowd control situations.
Multi-role capabilities are one of the main focus points Milkor uses when developing their platforms, with each platform being able to easily and effectively be customised depending on end user requirements received. This focus means that Milkor is able to use their knowledge obtained from end users currently utilising these platforms and apply it to their platform development. They then adapt and improve on these platforms, enabling them to be used in other defence and security application outside of the initial requirement.
The Milkor 4×4 armoured personnel carrier (APC) has undergone extensive development with Milkor adding various customised options suited for use by Police forces, Gendarmeries and Security groups. The Milkor 4×4 can be equipped with a front mounted scraper that clears away barriers, debris and immobilising objects. Optional roof mounted grenade launchers capable of firing less lethal grenades can deploy tear gas and other less lethal grenades in a 360-degree radius around the vehicle. The Milkor 4×4 offers various levels of armouring from B2, which can withstand a 9mm round, all the way to B7 which can stop armour-piercing and sniper rounds, ensuring occupant safety in various situations. The Milkor 4×4 anti-riot was deployed in the July Unrest experience in large parts of South Africa in 2021.
Milkor’s weapon range also offers less-lethal options, with the latest being the MAR (Multi Anti-Riot) 6 shot rapid fire grenade launcher capable of firing 37,38 and 40mm Anti-Riot ammunition in quick succession. The MAR has specifically been designed with less-lethal engagements in mind, weighing less than 4kg, operator mobility is uncompromised and extended periods of weapon handling is made easier. The UBGL (Under-barrel grenade launcher) can easily be attached to existing anti-riot weaponry and rifles, adding to the capabilities of the weapon. With the uniquely designed trigger system the UBGL operator does not have to alter their grip to fire the grenade, this means that the operator can continuously suppress a crowd with the main anti-riot weapon and use the UBGL when the need arises. The lightweight design of the UBGL, at 1.1kg, means that operator fatigue is kept to a minimum for longer handling periods ensuring police, gendarmeries and security forces can prolong their presence in de-escalating efforts. The stopper convertible is a single shot grenade launcher that can easily be equipped as a secondary weapon alongside the main anti-riot weapon. With a skilled operator able to fire 12 rounds per minute, the impact a stopper convertible can have on an escalating situation is immediate and far reaching.
The Milkor IPC (Inshore patrol craft) is a 12m hydrofoil assisted catamaran vessel capable of reaching speeds up to 50kts. With features like 3 sleeping beths and head and shower facilities it enables a crew of 4 to stay comfortable on long endurance missions with the IPC capable of staying active for up to 5 days. The vehicle is fitted with 2x 450hp engines ensuring maximum efficiency while patrolling while also enabling rapid response to emergency situations if needed. The IPC is the ideal vessel for patrolling rivers and coastlines for rapid detection and interception of maritime crimes like human trafficking, contraband smuggling, illegal fishing, illegal immigration and piracy. With a vast array of electronic hardware and software available the IPC can also effectively be used in search and rescue operations.
Milkor will be showcasing all these offerings at the latest Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show on 21-25 September 2022 at Air Force Base Waterkloof. They are the Diamond sponsor of the event, and their stand will be located in Hanger 4.
Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD), took place at Waterkloof Air Force Base from September 21-25. This edition gave pride of place to Turkish defense industries which have doubled their presence since the last edition. Other international visitors in 2022, China, India, Pakistan, United Kingdom and United States. Russia and Belarus were also among the exhibitors. Nearly 50 official delegations walked the aisles of AAD 2022.
The themes announced by the organizers for AAD 2022 talk about exploring new paths, sharing solutions, showcasing innovation and related capabilities. The exhibition is co-chaired by AMD, Armscor and CAASA, organizations supported by the Ministry of Defense and its Minister Thandi Modise.
The latter made a point of inviting the media in preview of the show in order to explain the expectations of the South African government and its forces, welcoming all the participants.
Before presenting the trends and materials that have aroused the interest of SITTA, it should be noted that local companies have once again demonstrated that they have strong research and development offices, aware of the current economic difficulties and who in addition to continuing their experimental research, like what is presented by the CISR group, progress tirelessly in the evolutions and other modernizations of existing systems. All of this is in addition to the various partnerships that continue to exist between South African groups and foreign companies.
South Africa remains one of the undisputed leaders in the field of armored vehicles
We could only quote the local official declaration which concerned the OTT group, designated as the first local producer of armored vehicles, but it is especially necessary to insist on this theme dear to the South African show, closely linked to the production of armored vehicles. and their subsets, namely protection, armaments or even modernization and adaptability. The competition is fierce and it was clear that many experts in the field were present to offer their new products and their evolutions, to scale and in the form of models.
Note in particular the presentation of the MRAP MAATLA type armored vehicle, offered by the Paramount group and intended for the security forces. This armored vehicle, developed on a civilian basis, in order to save cost and support, has already received two offers for 50 vehicles, including one from an African country. That is to say the interest that is brought to him.
Similarly, how not to mention the 4X4 MILKOR, offered by the group of the same name. This armored vehicle based on an IVECO chassis and for one of the two examples present, equipped with a remotely operated Spanish cupola from the EM&M group, seems to be particularly competitive.
DENEL offered a wide range of old vehicles (the RATEL for example) modernized, as well as two versions of its BADGER 8X8 (VBCI and anti-tank), but we will focus on the latest evolution of the RG-32M which never ceases to find buyer, with Sweden, Finland, Ireland or even Namibia.
The OTT group, mentioned above, offers an evolution of the M36 Mk6, called 450 T-REX, heavier, more imposing and more powerful than the previous versions. A Mk7 version is already in preparation, which should arouse many desires.
Do not forget the IPC group which presented its latest evolution of the REVA V, which responds to the latest requests from users in terms of mobility, protection and habitability.
Finally, to finish with the South African part, we will mention the SVI group (which received the prize for the most beautiful outdoor stand) with its MAX armored vehicles (3 and 9), based on the Land Cruiser chassis, which reduces the costs considerably.
Internationally, only models were presented, of systems already known and for some proven, like the KIRPI-2 of the Turkish group BMC, or the collection of armored vehicles produced by the Emirati consortium Streit Group. The Chinese group NORINCO offered a range of vehicles such as the VN1 (with a new turret, it seems) or the VN22 6X6.
In connection with these armored vehicles, for many evolution and modernization, several local and foreign companies presented associated products.
In terms of armament, we must mention the company EVOTEX, which presented two remotely operated cupolas, armed with a .50 caliber machine gun or 40 mm pots. The version with a machine gun was also presented on an armored vehicle of the OTT group.
The Spaniards of the EM&E group had mounted a remotely operated cupola on the MILKOR 4X4, while DENEL offers its SDROW cupola (Self Defense Remotely Operated Weapon) adaptable to many armored vehicles and other land vehicles.
The SHERG group offers a whole range of turrets, with manual operation, but also electric or even remotely operated with its KS-4. The latter is interesting because it has a removable “ceiling” between the operator and the armament which allows reloading from the inside. This turret can be armed with a machine gun or a cannon up to 30 mm.
On the electronics and communication side, we will retain the local group REUTECH, which presented many new digital communication stations integrated into a whole panel of vehicles in service or prototype.
Similarly, the South African group GC2T presented an integrated command system in a 4X4 armored vehicle, with four workstations that were particularly user-friendly in their use and efficient in their capabilities.
Finally, the local SME group specializes in the integration of technical support means in armored vehicles, tanks and self-propelled artillery. These means can be auxiliary engines, fire protection systems or even CBRN defense means.
The interest of a show like AAD is based on applications that could be used by local forces, but also by African forces as a whole. Small caliber weapons are no exception and it was clear that the 2022 edition was attended by many exhibitors who are specialists in the field, local and foreign. Mention should already be made of the high level of quality and the desire to meet multiple needs, in particular through weapons produced jointly in NATO and “Russian” calibers.
On the South African side, we know well the DENEL and TRUVELO companies, producers of quality and above all innovative weapons, like the CMS 20X42 anti-materiel rifle presented by TRUVELO. Another proposal from the local group, the CMS 7.62 x 39 with a caliber of 7.62 x 39 mm (“Russian” caliber) which could meet the needs of many countries already equipped with “Kalashnikovs”.
CMS 7.62 x 39
On the international side, it should be noted the presence of specialized groups such as Barrett (United States), Beretta (Italy) or the Belgian group FN Herstal, but it is especially important to note the strong presence of Turkish companies with no less than five companies, namely Aselsan, Kalekalip, Tisas, Derya, MKE and Sasa Group.
There were sports shooting weapons, training weapons, handguns, assault rifles of all calibers (including 12 gauge), machine guns and other grenade launchers. Here again, it was possible to observe weapons compatible with NATO and “Russian” calibers, a Turkish exhibitor having declared that the Russian arms market was vast and that it was necessary to tackle it.
The air world, drones, the fight against drones and anti-aircraft defense still prolific
Even if the land part has become essential at this show, AAD nevertheless retains a predisposition for aerial equipment, in addition to aerial demonstrations.
Thus on the aircraft side, the United States presented several devices on the display such as the C-17, the KC-46 tanker aircraft or their world-famous MQ Reaper drone. As for South Africa, the presence and flight of GRIPEN should be noted, especially after the technical support agreements have been validated until 2025.
Although a dynamic demonstration of aerial drones was expected, which unfortunately did not arrive, several systems were presented on the South African stands, as well as foreign ones. Among them, we will note the presence on the Turkish stands of armed systems such as the KSU-01 from the Lentatek group, the BAHA drone from Havelsan, or the TOGAN from STM.
STM TOGAN
Similarly, Turkey exhibited three versions of single-use teleoperated ammunition, namely the KARGI, KARGU and ALPAGU. Finally, the Russian group Rosoboronexpert exhibited the ORLAN-10 drone on a loop on the big screen.
On the South African side, several groups presented their products, but we will focus on the MILKOR 380 from the Milkor group. This imposing drone falls into the MALE category and was heavily armed for the occasion. The partnership between the South African group and several countries has been demonstrated through armaments, with the Al Tariq guided bomb and the DesertSting-16 laser guided bombs (UAE – Al Tariq and Edge), the Belgian guided rockets of the FZ group/ Thales, or the optical block, product of the American group L3 Harris.
Finally, to finish with the aircraft part, we will mention the electro-optical pod offered by the German joint venture Aerodata and Optimare. This complete system which includes radar, laser detector and optical means is proposed for mounting on PATMAR type aircraft.
OPTIMARE
Coming from the ground, the detection of aircraft and their neutralization were largely presented by the various exhibitors. We will retain in particular the Belarusian group LEMT which presented in particular its “detection radar – optical” ZORKI unit, capable of detecting a target on the ground as well as in the sky at nearly 20 km. This system can be coupled to countermeasure means.
The Lithuanian group Altimus-Tech offers a whole range of air detection radars including a complete set allowing the detection of aircraft at more than 400 km.
ALTIMUS-TECH
Regarding the anti-drone means, these were multiple, and in particular with electromagnetic or ballistic impulses. Thus Aselsan offers its IHASAVAR electromagnetic system and Transvaro presented a complete system combining several radars, optical means and a TRADJ-02 multi-frequency jammer.
TRANSVARO
The South African group Sandock Austral also presented its concept of anti-drone rifle, for the time being still in the state of a model. Finally, the SVI group, specialized in the production of protected vehicles, exhibited for the first time the MAX-3 6X6 equipped with a complete anti-drone system (detection and neutralization) armed with a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.
Robotization and innovations, key words of South African R&D
As announced earlier, South Africa is recognized as being one of the most efficient and prolific research and development offices in the world, although many engineers and technicians have gone to other countries to demonstrate their talents. . Thus research on ballistics and protection, on new calibers of ammunition, on modernizations allowing rustic ammunition to be more effective, in particular in precision, on robotization, are numerous.
In the field of transmissions and communication/C2 in particular, the Reutech group is demonstrating numerous developments and innovations, in particular through fuzes for 122 mm rockets, operated by proximity meter. It should be noted that the latest radio sets produced by this group equip almost the entire local fleet and are sold for export.
BM21B2 rocket
In terms of robotization, we note the presentation by the local consortium of studies and expertise CSIR of a fully robotized 4×4 vehicle concept.
CSIR ROBOTICS
On the foreign side, the Turkish group Havelsan offers a whole range of land (BARKAN), air (BAHA) and naval (armed surface drone SANCAR) drones.
SANCAR
The means of detection and jamming of terrestrial electronic systems have also evolved, in particular for the deep and rapid detection of artisanal systems (RCIED) or mines by means of more efficient radars. This is the case with the latest generation of the HUSKY family, offered by the DCD group.
HUSKY 2G
Finally, note the local desire to integrate the world of space and the AAC Space Africa group is doing everything possible to fully integrate this niche. The group presented on its stand a small communication satellite
South African-based Milkor showcased a fully loaded prototype of its 380 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 expo held in Pretoria from 21 to 25 September.
Ghaazim Rylands, CEO of Milkor Integrated Systems, a division of Milkor for manufacture and integration of the Milkor 380 UCAV, told Janes on 22 September that “the first prototype is undergoing ground testing and integration with various ammunition using five hardpoints, and the second prototype is currently being manufactured”.
Milkor has incorporated the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) EDGE Al-Tariq-S MK 81 X-series (with laser seeker) precision-guided munition (PGM) on the fuselage centreline hardpoint, two EDGE Halcon Systems Desert Sting DS-16 guided bombs fitted to an EDGE dual rack on one of the two hardpoints on each wing, and a Thales Belgium SA (formerly Forges de Zeebrugge – FZ) FZ602 two-tube reusable lightweight laser-guided rocket launcher on the other hardpoint. The centreline could be additionally fitted with Airborne Technologies’ Self Contained Aerial Reconnaissance (SCAR) Pod modified for UAVs. The UCAV is fitted with an L3Harris Wescam MX-15 multispectral electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) turret, and could also be fitted with Thales’ synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for maritime patrol applications.
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