Cutting-edge technologies and an experienced and visionary team enable Milkor to offer turnkey defence solutions for air, land, and sea. We detail the company’s advanced capabilities and commitment to the aerospace and military manufacturing sector.
PIONEERS IN PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS
Defence manufacturing in South Africa (SA) boasts a notable history of innovation and a robust commitment to delivering high-quality solutions for domestic and international markets.
The industry has experienced significant evolution, particularly since the 1980s, which was characterised by a key milestone – the groundbreaking development of the 40-millimetre (mm) Multiple Grenade Launcher (MGL) by Milkor in 1981.
Milkor’s MGL was revolutionary as it was the first of its kind to be designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in SA, paving the way for the country’s independent defence production capabilities. This achievement laid a solid foundation for Milkor, which subsequently expanded its operations and emerged as a reliable manufacturer and supplier for the global defence sector.
Today, the company services military and law enforcement agencies in over 56 countries, establishing a strong international reputation.
Milkor’s commitment to ongoing R&D underpins its innovative approach, allowing it to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. This strategy is aligned with the company’s vision of becoming a leader in the global military industry through continuing innovation, leveraging advanced technology, and setting new benchmarks for performance and reliability.
Milkor’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its cutting-edge advancements, enabling the company to manufacture high-quality weaponry suitable for a diverse range of applications.
This includes less lethal options designed for crowd control and law enforcement scenarios, as well as a portfolio of low to medium-velocity ammunition for various military operations.
Such expertise positions Milkor as a crucial player in SA’s defence manufacturing sector, significantly enhancing its reputation on the international stage whilst contributing to the country’s strategic self-reliance and defence capabilities.
VISIONARY DEFENCE DEVELOPMENT
In 1983, just three years after the innovative Milkor MGL debuted, the South African Defence Force acknowledged its significant capabilities and placed a notable order for the Y2 model.
Featuring the ability to fire multiple grenades in rapid succession, this remarkable weapon system has successfully served various military operations and law enforcement engagements for over 30 years, reflecting its robustness and adaptability in diverse combat environments.
The company’s commitment to continuous improvement has led to the development of an expansive portfolio of 40mm grenade launchers, including well-regarded models such as the MK1S and MK1L.
In addition, Milkor has introduced specialised weapons, notably the Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) designed for attachment to standard-issue rifles, the Stopper Convertible, the SuperSix Multi-Range Grenade Launcher (MRGL), and the Multiple Anti-Riot (MAR) launcher developed explicitly for crowd control and non-lethal applications.
In response to the evolving challenges within the defence industry, Milkor underwent a strategic realignment in 2015 that allowed it to seize new opportunities, resulting in substantial investments aimed at transforming the company into a full-spectrum turnkey defence supplier.
Currently, Milkor’s expansive capabilities encompass tailored defence solutions across air, land, and sea domains, with a strong emphasis on customisation to meet the specific operational demands of each client, thereby enhancing overall effectiveness.
Driven by an unwavering pursuit of technological innovation, Milkor has strategically positioned itself globally by establishing branches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, with two regional offices in SA.
This international footprint empowers Milkor to respond quickly to client needs and deliver superior products and services on a global scale, solidifying its position as an industry leader in the ever-competitive defence sector.
COMPREHENSIVE CYBER SOLUTIONS
In today’s interconnected and data-driven world, organisations face a relentless wave of cyber threats from attackers equipped with advanced tools and techniques, continuously searching for vulnerabilities to exploit.
Intelligent networking and security solutions are therefore essential to safeguard critical assets, and Milkor offers extensive cybersecurity expertise to protect digital resources.
Central to the company’s strategy is zero trust architecture, a security model that assumes nothing is safe by default and thoroughly checks every access request and interaction.
Milkor adheres to globally recognised best practices, including National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 guidelines, ensuring robust solutions.
The company is dedicated to defending digital environments against ever-evolving cyber threats, providing reliable protection in an increasingly hazardous online landscape.
In addition to cybersecurity, the company offers innovative technological solutions such as the Milkor 380, a versatile airborne platform designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and opportunistic engagement missions. With a wide variety of payload options, it functions as a guardian of the skies, capable of conducting extended-range and long-endurance missions.
The integration of world-class optical equipment into the Milkor 380 allows for real-time, high-definition, infrared, and multispectral video and data acquisition transmitted to remote receivers. The platform also includes technologies such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (iSAR) for maritime monitoring.
DRIVING INNOVATION
Milkor’s range of armoured land solutions is built for the most demanding environments, delivering all-terrain performance, superior protection, and the power needed to complete any mission.
For instance, the BushCat is an armoured personnel carrier (APC) that redefines all-terrain capability, providing unmatched performance and protection in the most demanding situations.
Engineered for versatility, it offers various configurations to meet any operational requirement, ensuring seamless adaptation to mission needs. The BushCat’s modular design also allows easy customisation, making it a cost-effective solution for large-scale deployments.
The APC is versatile and resilient, designed to thrive in challenging environments, and comes in multiple variants, including an infantry fighting vehicle, armoured personnel carrier, border patrol vehicle, military field ambulance, and command vehicle, offering unmatched adaptability for diverse mission profiles.
Engineered to conquer steep gradients, deep waters, and rugged terrains, the BushCat combines power, endurance, and advanced protection to ensure reliable performance in any operational scenario.
Another APC, the Vanguard, is a highly specialised mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle designed to ensure mission effectiveness, troop safety, and high performance.
The Vanguard features exceptional protection, high payload integration capacity, and superior all-terrain performance. It is prepared to tackle various operational requirements with multiple vehicle variants available.
Rigid and dependable, the Vanguard excels in the most challenging conditions and provides the same multiple configurations as the BushCat, delivering exceptional versatility for various missions.
Designed to navigate steep inclines, deep water crossings, and challenging terrains, it combines strength, durability, and advanced protection to ensure reliable performance in any operational environment.
NEW FRONTIERS
The Frontier 4×4, meanwhile, is a light tactical vehicle designed for quick response, mission effectiveness, and troop safety.
Its capabilities range from security operations to protected reconnaissance and engagement in hostile situations. Built to handle diverse mission requirements, it offers world-class off-road mobility and advanced technology, ensuring adaptability to the ever-changing battlefield.
With a modular and agile structure, the Frontier 4×4 is optimised for high-performance operations in demanding environments and designed to integrate various payloads tailored to specific mission needs. The vehicle is also equipped with advanced protection capabilities, providing a comprehensive solution for tactical operations.
The three vehicles were released in 2024, with additional new product lines planned this year. Continually seeking to improve its technology and efficiency, Milkor hopes to double its production capabilities within the next five years.
Furthermore, as one of the world’s top 10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) manufacturers, after producing the largest on the African continent, the company’s future includes new UAV production for various military operations, with some already in the testing phase.
With these ambitious plans, Milkor is securing its place in the industry, demonstrating a longevity that reflects the durability of its defence solutions.
MILKOR PARTNER
