In a bold move to redefine long-range UAV capabilities, South Korea’s Hanwha Systems and South Africa’s Milkor Aerospace and Defence have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate Hanwha’s advanced AESA Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) onto the Milkor 380 MALE UAV—creating a powerful ISR and strike platform for global export.
By Jarryd Sinovich
Announced at the Paris Air Show, the partnership unlocks a new tier of performance for the Milkor 380, equipping it with high-resolution ground imaging, ground and maritime moving target indication (GMTI/MMTI), and all-weather reconnaissance capability. The result: a next-gen unmanned system tailored for both military and homeland security missions.
“This partnership combines our engineering strength with Hanwha’s radar innovation to deliver a mission-ready solution for international defence markets,” said Julian Coetzee, CEO of Milkor UAE.
The Milkor 380 already boasts impressive specs—30+ hours endurance, over 220 kg payload, 4,000+ km range, and SATCOM for beyond-line-of-sight missions. With AESA SAR onboard, its utility for precision surveillance, strike targeting, and maritime patrol is dramatically enhanced.
Hanwha’s Senior VP, Hyuck Park, noted: “Integrating our radar into the Milkor 380 elevates the platform to a true force multiplier. We see strong demand across key regions.”
This agreement positions the upgraded Milkor 380 as an interoperable, modular, export-ready solution with wide appeal across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—just as demand surges for dual-use ISR and tactical drone capabilities.
