A central focus of this discussion is the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, which are increasingly seen as essential tools to enhance military readiness and protect troops in high-risk zones such as the DRC.

UAVs offer a transformative capability by providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, and combat support. These advanced drones can significantly improve situational awareness, crucial for commanders on the ground during complex peacekeeping operations. As technological advancements in drones continue to evolve, their integration into military strategies is becoming a pressing need for countries such as SA.

Daniel du Plessis, Communications Director at Milkor, a leading SA defence technology innovator, explained the importance of such technologies in an exclusive interview. Du Plessis noted that SA has long been a pioneer in the development of military technologies, with globally recognised expertise in the field. However, he pointed out that despite the country’s technological capabilities, a significant gap remains in equipping the SANDF with modern tools such as UAVs.

“While SA’s defence industry, both public and private, continues to produce world-class technologies, much of it is exported. The SANDF does not fully utilise these innovations due to systemic issues such as underfunding and a lack of clear government direction on defence priorities,” said du Plessis. He highlighted that the SANDF's budget has steadily declined in recent years, limiting its ability to procure and maintain state-of-the-art military equipment, including drones.

Discussing the capabilities of UAVs, du Plessis explained that these systems are designed for long endurance, capable of providing continuous reconnaissance and surveillance for up to 35 hours. He specifically mentioned Milkor’s Moko 380, an advanced UAV with an 18.6-metre wingspan, capable of flying over 4,000 kilometres at high altitudes. These drones are equipped with cutting-edge technology to evade surface-to-air threats while delivering precise real-time intelligence to ground commanders.

The potential of UAVs to enhance military operations was underscored in the context of peacekeeping missions like the one in the DRC. Du Plessis emphasised that such technologies could give military personnel the upper hand in hostile environments, providing not only surveillance but also the ability to engage targets with precision if necessary.

Despite the technological advancements, du Plessis noted that the SANDF’s existing drone fleet is outdated. The SA Army’s previous drone, the CA 200, developed by the state-owned entity Denel, has limited capabilities, and its current operational status remains unclear.

The rapid evolution of drone technology over the past decades, particularly in AI and autonomous systems, has vastly improved their effectiveness in combat scenarios. Milkor’s recent forays into developing larger, multi-functional UAVs like the Milkor 380 illustrate how SA is aiming to lead in this niche market.

“The technologies are here, and they are available to the SANDF,” du Plessis said. “It’s critical that government recognises the value of these innovations and invests in their integration into the national defence strategy.”

The continued development and deployment of UAVs in Africa could prove vital not only in conflict zones like the DRC but also in strengthening the continent’s overall military capabilities.

--ChannelAfrica--