The South Africa based defence manufacturer, Milkor showcased a scale model of its armed Milkor 380 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) for the first time at the ADAS, defence exhibition in Manila.
In addition to the Milkor 380, the company also exhibited its land and naval systems at the show. Milkor is eyeing inroads into the Philippine market, to add to its activities in the Asia region.
The South African firm already has a presence in India and the Middle East. Speaking to AMR, a Milkor official said that the company had welcomed delegations from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Navy (PN). He said the company was also studying opportunities related to the numerous military vehicle upgrade programmes in the region.
Commenting on the Milkor 380, the company’s newest UAS, the official said weapons integration work is now underway, following which additional flight testing will be performed. The UAS made its maiden flight in September 2023.
According to the company’s published platform specifications, the Milkor 380 UAS has a maximum endurance of 35 hours, a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 2,866 pounds (1,300 kilograms), and an external payload capacity of 1,180lb (535 kg). The UAS has five hardpoints – two on each wing and one at the centre of the fuselage, with the ability to carry larger systems if needed.
by Mike Rajkumar, ADAS, Philippines
