South Africa's Milkor Displays next-gen Combat Platforms at EDEX 2025 with UAV MRAP and Patrol Boat.

South Africa’s Milkor displayed a full lineup of next-generation air, land, and sea systems at EDEX 2025, highlighting armed UAVs, mine-resistant vehicles, and compact patrol craft. The showcase signals the company’s ambition to compete more directly in the global defense market, particularly in areas tied to U.S. partnered operations and counterinsurgency support.

At EDEX 2025, South African Company MILKOR presented the latest generation of defense products across land, air, and sea, including the latest innovation in armed UAV platforms, the MILKOR 380; upgraded mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles; and modular fast patrol boats. Representatives at the exhibit said the systems reflect lessons learned from recent security operations in Africa and the Middle East, noting that the company is targeting governments seeking cost-effective platforms that can be fielded quickly and supported with minimal logistical burden.
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Milkor showcases its full-spectrum defense solutions at EDEX 2025, including the Milkor 380 armed UAV, Vanguard MRAP, Frontier APC, and Commander patrol boat, highlighting South Africa’s growing footprint in global defense innovation. (Picture source/copyright: Army Recognition Group)

Leading the display was the Milkor 380, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system developed to rival the top-tier platforms currently fielded by major defense powers. Capable of carrying multiple precision-guided munitions and advanced ISR payloads, the Milkor 380 is tailored for strike, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in high-threat environments. With a wingspan exceeding 18 meters and an endurance exceeding 30 hours, the drone is pitched as a game-changer for militaries seeking a sovereign, cost-effective alternative to U.S. or Chinese-origin systems. Its modular payload bay allows for seamless integration of electro-optical sensors, synthetic aperture radar, and various missile systems, making it a potent asset for modern multi-domain operations.

On the ground, Milkor introduced its Vanguard MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle, a new entry into the heavily contested armored mobility market. Designed to meet NATO STANAG Level 4 ballistic and mine protection standards, the Vanguard combines protection, firepower, and off-road mobility. With seating for up to 12 fully equipped troops, the platform features a V-shaped hull, run-flat tires, and an optional remote weapon station. It reflects a strategic push by Milkor to offer African and Middle Eastern armed forces a homegrown alternative to legacy MRAPs imported from the West.

Alongside the Vanguard, Milkor also showcased the Frontier 4x4 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), a lighter, more maneuverable solution for urban warfare, peacekeeping, and rapid reaction forces. While smaller than the MRAP, the Frontier doesn't compromise on crew safety or operational performance. Its monocoque armored hull, modular internal configuration, and compatibility with various weapon systems make it ideal for asymmetric conflict environments where speed and adaptability are paramount.

In the maritime domain, the spotlight was on the Milkor Commander, a compact high-speed interceptor patrol boat engineered for coastal security, interdiction, and special forces operations. Equipped with shock-mitigating seats, advanced navigation systems, and a weapons mount compatible with machine guns or grenade launchers, the Commander is designed to excel in shallow waters and fast-response missions. Its robust hull design and lightweight construction make it both highly durable and easily deployable, particularly for navies operating in littoral zones or conducting anti-piracy patrols.

Milkor also displayed its full range of lightweight rubber boats, an often-overlooked but critical component for special operations and maritime insertion missions. These boats are designed for rapid deployment, low signature profiles, and compatibility with airborne or naval transport. Their modular design allows them to be configured as assault boats, reconnaissance craft, or rescue platforms.

Complementing its vehicle and maritime systems was Milkor’s historic and still-evolving grenade launcher lineup, a product family that has earned international recognition. The iconic six-shot 40mm Milkor Multiple Grenade Launcher (MGL) remains in service with over 60 countries, and Milkor continues to develop enhanced versions with improved ergonomics, lighter materials, and compatibility with both lethal and non-lethal rounds. At EDEX, Milkor emphasized its commitment to modernizing its legacy systems while expanding into new domains.

With this broad-spectrum showcase, Milkor is making a clear statement: South Africa’s defense industry is no longer content to serve as a niche supplier. Instead, it is rapidly evolving into a full-capability defense manufacturer capable of offering turnkey solutions across the combat spectrum. As competition intensifies for strategic procurement contracts in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, Milkor’s approach—grounded in modularity, interoperability, and battlefield survivability—gives it an increasingly competitive edge.

Army Recognition spoke with Milkor executives on the show floor, who confirmed ongoing discussions with several national defense ministries regarding procurement of the Milkor 380 and Vanguard MRAP. These talks underscore the growing global demand for defense equipment that balances cost, autonomy, and strategic reliability without the political complications tied to U.S., Russian, or Chinese exports.

Milkor’s diversified portfolio reflects a broader strategic trend among emerging defense manufacturers seeking to challenge the dominance of traditional suppliers by offering flexible, high-performance systems tailored to specific operational requirements. With growing geopolitical uncertainty and rising defense budgets across the Global South, companies like Milkor are seizing the moment to redefine their role on the international stage.

As EDEX 2025 concludes, Milkor leaves Cairo not just as a participant but as a serious contender in the next generation of global defense partnerships.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.