The World Defense Show is an indication to Saudi Arabia’s seriousness in becoming a leader within the defense technology sector; it provides a glimpse into the future of the country becoming self-sufficient and a powerhouse of manufacturing and development. The opportunity to exhibit and display full scaled products during WDS is a testament of Milkor’s willingness and ambitions within the Kingdom as the company look forward to solidifying its cooperation. “Our new entity indicates our seriousness in getting involved with the growing industry and cements Milkor’s foundation of being part of the future of Saudi. The ideals and mission of the new entity in Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030. Our technologies alongside the Kingdom’s talent allow for a prosperous future that will benefit the end-users, skilled laborers, industry and local economy,” said, MC de Beer, Chief Executive Officer, Milkor-Riyadh. In an interview with Arabian Defence, he talks the company’s operations in Saudi Arabia.
Milkor has been providing impactful turnkey solutions for the different fields of defence over the last four decades. Could you share a brief overview of the company’s major achievements?
Over the years Milkor has not only been able to become the household name for 40mm multiple-grenade launcher, but also achieved massive strides in entity growth. We have expanded to offer full ITAR-free solutions in multiple disciplines including air, land and sea.
Our company also forms part of a very small group of providers for in-house design and manufacturing of unmanned systems with combat capabilities. We have been part of the industry for over four decades and throughout the years we have provided products to more than 60 countries on five continents.
Milkor has supplied weapons ranging from lethal to less-lethal to more than 60 countries worldwide. What are the major products and technologies offered by the weapons division of the company?
Milkor is the original inventor of the 40mm multiple-grenade launcher, with a sophisticated design that soon got replicated by peer competitors. Our latest offering, the SuperSix Multiple-Range Grenade Launcher (MRGL) is capable of firing less-lethal, standard low and medium velocity ammunition up to an effective range of 800 meters within 3 seconds.
We are recognized as the market leader in the 40mm offerings, comprising of our easy-opening, single shot Stopper Convertible; compact and lightweight Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) which can be easily integrated with any rifle as well as a less-lethal option known as the Multiple Anti-Riot (MAR).
We recently unveiled a modernized Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) that can be either tripod-mounted or integrated onto a turret suitable for armored vehicles, helicopters, and naval vessels. The innovation of 40mm high velocity air-burst ammunition coupled with a fire control unit on the Milkor platform ensures for increased accuracy and the ability to engage dismounted targets, behind buildings and other battlefield obstacles.
The company has been specialising in making Armoured Personnel Carriers, weapon stations and intelligence solutions. How strong is the Land division of Milkor?
Milkor’s Land division team encompasses tech-leaders of mine-resistant and ambush-protection solutions. Our 4×4 all-terrain vehicles are designed for end-user requirements and have multi-mission applications including personnel transportation, combat ambulance, patrol vehicle, mobile command unit and weapon deployment vehicle.
Options include Ballistic protection level up to B7, a V-shaped hull that contributes towards STANAG 4569 level 3a and b mine protection as well as multiple accessories including remote control weapon stations and electronic warfare support.
Milkor’s in-house development from its air division allows communication and encryption technologies to be implemented across all our products including our land systems.
Milkor designs, manufactures and offers after-sales service for Naval and other user requirements. Could you talk about the manned and unmanned systems offered and its customizable nature?
Our research and development wing consists of highly talented veterans from the industry that have allowed us to provide full modular systems that are completely ITAR free. These systems include communication and control modules that are designed and produced in-house to allow the highest level of user defined customization, including unmanned capabilities which are suitable for use on any platform and frequency.
Milkor’s engineering team can also take existing platforms and implement improvements or upgrades based on input given by our clients.
What are your products in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sector? How do you intend to tap the potential in the sector?
We have different products that mainly cater for two different applications: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as armed combat systems. Our latest product, the Milkor UCAV has the versatility to be a fully C4ISR capable MALE airship combined with the simplicity of integrating weapon systems to allow for opportunistic engagements; all based on user-requirement. The system provides 515kg payload (including fuel) with an operational altitude of 23000 feet.
Milkor has the flexibility to customize its technology on user-request and transfer vital knowledge in operation and maintenance to ensure that end-users achieve their objectives efficiently with easy to use and versatile equipment.
Milkor products have a reputation for toughness and reliability. Could you talk about the company’s R&D operations, quality control tests, and after-sales support?
Milkor has a top-down implementation structure for quality assurance, this includes various MIL-STD’s for each product and its subcomponents; ISO standards to keep up with industry trends and OHS standards to ensure our employees are in the most optimal conditions to provide world class equipment for our clients. Our quality assurance procedures are stringent to ensure that users can trust their equipment during the most difficult of operations.
Our after-sales methodology is to provide localized support allowing end-users to be self-dependent with their own equipment. This includes the transfer of critical knowledge, training and maintenance. “Sell-and-forget” is simply not in our nature.
The company has opened dedicated companies in Saudi Arabia and UAE. What are the operational highlights of the company in the Gulf region?
The gulf climate has been a proving ground for companies and their products. Milkor’s launchers have been in use since 2001 in Saudi Arabia and have proven to survive the harsh conditions with continuous sales throughout the years with our latest offerings following suit.
How do you look at the World Defense Show 2022 in Saudi Arabia? What are the priorities of the company’s participation at the expo?
The World Defense Show is an indication to Saudi Arabia’s seriousness in becoming a leader within the defense technology sector, it provides a glimpse into the future of the country becoming self-sufficient and a powerhouse of manufacturing and development.
The opportunity to exhibit and display full scaled products during WDS is a testament of Milkor’s willingness and ambitions within the Kingdom as we look forward to solidifying our cooperation. Our new entity indicates our seriousness in getting involved with the growing industry and cements Milkor’s foundation of being part of the future of Saudi.
With the official launch of the Riyadh office set to take place at World Defence Show, how does it strengthen the company’s positioning in the Saudi Arabian defence sector? How does it align with the Saudi Vision 2030?
The new Milkor entity in Riyadh which strives towards 100% Indigenous content follows through with our plans of manufacturing our range of products in Saudi, together with the Saudi industry for the world.
The ideals and mission of the new entity in Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030. Our technologies alongside the Kingdom’s talent allow for a prosperous future that will benefit the end-users, skilled laborers, industry and local economy.
Local engagements and relationship building with industry solidifies the new entity’s bright future under Vision 2030.
