Why South Africa’s biggest drone isn’t flying for the country
- Milkor earmarked five drones for SANDF four years ago, but no purchases have been made.
- The Milkor 380 drones are currently operational for a customer in the Middle East.
- Negotiations for the purchase of the drones by SANDF are ongoing but hindered by budget issues.
The ongoing delays in the procurement of Milkor's drones by the SANDF reflect a broader issue of underfunding within the South African defense sector. This situation not only hampers the operational capabilities of the SANDF but also limits the potential for local defense manufacturing to thrive. A reevaluation of budget allocations and investment in modern technology is crucial for the future effectiveness of South Africa's defense forces.
