Milkor has been a leading defence company by pushing the limits of innovation and delivering cutting-edge technology that sets new standards for performance and reliability. Milkor holds a unique perspective on the defence and aerospace market in the Middle East region. The Middle East is witnessing rapid advancements and investments in the defence sector, presenting significant opportunities for growth and collaboration. “Our presence in the Middle East shows our commitment to providing tailored solutions and fostering closer relationships with our clients in the region. While we already have direct relations with more than six countries in the Middle East, our current focus is on leveraging our local offices to enhance our capabilities and support existing partnerships. Our participation in DIMDEX 2024 not only focuses on strengthening local relationships and supporting the MENA defence market but also aims to increase our global reach,” said Julian Gardner, Business Development Manager, Milkor In an interview with Arabian Defence, he talks about the company’s expansion plans, focus areas and participation in DIMDEX 2024.
Julian Gardner
Business Development Manager Milkor
Milkor’s capabilities now range from defence solutions in Air, Land, Sea and Weapons. How do you look at the company’s growth and achievements?
Milkor’s evolution from its inception to its current status as a comprehensive provider of defence solutions across Air, Land, Sea, and Weapons domains is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and meeting the evolving needs of our clients worldwide.
Over the past ten years, Milkor has undergone significant expansion and diversification, leveraging our expertise, experience, and dedication to develop cutting-edge technologies and solutions that address the most complex challenges faced by defence forces globally.
The expansion over the last decade is evident with the establishment of our three new international offices located in UAE, KSA and Poland which are strategically positioned to enhance our global presence and better serve our clientele worldwide. Furthermore, to bolster our capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development, we have inaugurated an additional local office dedicated to advancing UAV technologies. This move underscores our dedication to innovation and staying at the forefront of unmanned systems development.
Concurrently, Milkor remains steadfast in our pursuit of excellence by actively seeking out and recruiting top-performing engineers and personnel. By attracting the brightest minds in the industry, we ensure that our team remains equipped with the expertise and talent necessary to drive innovation, meet evolving customer demands, and uphold our reputation as a leader in the defence sector.
As we reflect on our growth and achievements over the past decade, we take great pride in the trust and confidence placed in us by defence forces around the world. Moving forward, Milkor remains steadfast in our commitment in innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Being one the foremost armoured vehicle manufacturers in the UAE, how do you cater to the evolving needs of clients? What are the latest products?
To address the dynamic and diverse requirements of our clients, Milkor employs a multifaceted approach that involves research and development, close collaboration with end-users, and a keen understanding of emerging threats and operational challenges in order to provide solutions that solve the problems faced in modern day warfare.
Our commitment to innovation is evident in our latest products, which are designed to deliver unmatched performance, protection, and versatility in the most demanding environments. Our current product range includes the Milkor 4X4, a Stanag 3 MRAP/APC, which can be configured to end user requirements.
We are currently working on two new vehicles which will be launched at AAD 2024. First, our latest addition, the Milkor Vanguard, a Stanag 4 compliant armored vehicle. This vehicle surpasses its predecessors by offering enhanced ballistic and blast protection, ensuring the safety and security of personnel in even the most hostile environments.
Additionally, we are thrilled to unveil the Milkor Frontier an agile pick-up style vehicle, designed to provide unparalleled mobility and versatility. This vehicle combines the ruggedness of a traditional pick-up truck with advanced armor technologies, making it ideal for rapid deployment and maneuverability in urban and off-road terrain. These new products exemplify Milkor’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering superior solutions to our clients’ ever-changing operational requirements.
Could you elaborate on Milkor’s Naval Defence Solution Division, its operations and latest developments?
Milkor’s NDS Division has established itself as a reputable service provider of various Marine services, these include Naval Architecture, Marine Servicing, Fabrication, maintenance and overhaul services. It boasts several successful projects and is currently involved in various engineering projects in and around MENA.
Milkor NDS Division currently boasts the Milkor IPC which uses a hydrofoil supported catamaran design to reach high cruising speeds and long endurance missions of up to 5 days. The IPC can switch between manned and unmanned operation. The vessel can be armed with two lightweight torpedoes and a remote weapon station.
During the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia, Milkor unveiled the latest addition to its naval portfolio, the 16-metre long Milkor Commander patrol craft, designed for maritime security, coast guard, and law enforcement duties.
The Commander features a hydrodynamic hull design optimized for the unique requirements of coastal security and law enforcement operations. The vessel will be built for high speed and long range (500 nautical miles at 35 knots) operations – it is designed to swiftly reach mission areas and ensure a safe return.
Could you share the latest updates on Milkor 380 and its versatile abilities?
The MILKOR 380 is the largest UAV designed, developed and manufactured in Africa. With growing security challenges, the demand for advanced surveillance and reconnaissance solutions is at an all-time high. The MILKOR 380, designed for versatility, fulfills this demand with its capacity for surveillance, reconnaissance, and opportunistic engagement operations.
With ongoing military certification slated for completion later this year and delivery expected by the end of 2024, the MILKOR 380 embodies innovation and adaptability. Milkor is integrating various sensor, anti-jamming and armament payload options to increase the versatility of the platform, which will allow end users to configure the platforms according to their requirements.
What sets the MILKOR 380 apart is its integration of world-leading optical equipment. This UAV provides real-time high-definition, infrared, and multispectral video, along with data acquisition transmitted over remote receivers. It’s also equipped with cutting-edge Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (iSAR), perfect for maritime monitoring.
The operational versatility of the MILKOR 380 is unmatched. Its autonomous flight capabilities, including take-off and landing, is managed by an advanced onboard flight control system. This system, with features like pathway placement and loiter pattern, simplifies complex missions. The UAV’s five hardpoints allow for the integration of electronic warfare solutions, weapon systems, and external containers, adaptable to various customer requirements.
The UAV’s design ensures long endurance at medium altitudes, ideal for all-weather conditions and enhanced performance. The ground control station (GCS) for the MILKOR 380 embraces a modular design approach, allowing customizability for optimal operation and functionality.
How strong are your foreign collaborations and export operations?
Our foreign collaborations and export operations at Milkor are a cornerstone of our global strategy, and we take great pride in our extensive network and growing international footprint. With the establishment of three new international offices in the last decade, our reach has expanded significantly, allowing us to forge stronger partnerships and better serve our clients worldwide.
Our relationships extend to 56 countries, a testament to our commitment to fostering collaborative ventures and delivering innovative defence solutions on a global scale.
Year after year, our export operations continue to see substantial growth, reflecting the trust and confidence placed in us by defence forces and government agencies around the world.
Being a company from the Middle East region, how do you look at the defence and aerospace market there? Where does Milkor stand and what are the expansion plans?
As a company originating from South Africa with a strategic expansion into the Middle East, Milkor holds a unique perspective on the defence and aerospace market in the region. The Middle East is witnessing rapid advancements and investments in the defence sector, presenting significant opportunities for growth and collaboration. With the establishment of two offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Milkor is strategically positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and better serve the region’s evolving needs.
Our presence in the Middle East shows our commitment to providing tailored solutions and fostering closer relationships with our clients in the region. While we already have direct relations with more than six countries in the Middle East, our current focus is on leveraging our local offices to enhance our capabilities and support existing partnerships.
At present, our expansion plans do not involve further geographical expansion unless opportunities for localization emerge, aligning with our strategy to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in serving the Middle East market.
What are the highlights of your participation in DIMDEX 2024? What are the priorities?
Our participation in DIMDEX 2024 not only focuses on strengthening local relationships and supporting the MENA defence market but also aims to increase our global reach.
As a leading defence company, Milkor recognizes the importance of showcasing our capabilities on an international stage to reach a wider audience and forge new partnerships beyond the region. DIMDEX provides an invaluable platform for us to demonstrate our cutting-edge defence solutions, foster collaborations with global end users, & highlight our commitment to innovation and excellence in the defence industry. By expanding our presence at DIMDEX, we seek to solidify our position as a key player in the global defence market while simultaneously establishing ourselves as a leading partner company in Qatar and the wider MENA region.
