South African aerospace and defence company Milkor has highlighted that its locally developed Milkor 380 medium-altitude long-endurance uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV – popularly called a drone) can assist the Border Management Authority (BMA) to secure the country’s borders. The Milkor 380 is the largest UAV so far designed and built in Africa.
“The recent activities regarding undocumented foreign nationals have placed a spotlight on the urgent need for modern technologies to address our country’s porous borders,” pointed out Milkor VP: Africa Daniel du Plessis. “Milkor, a prime systems integrator of defence and security solutions, has tremendous capacity to assist with the implementation of dedicated solutions to be used to enhance border security and increase surveillance.”
For the most vulnerable segments of the national border, the BMA has developed an integrated plan, including closer coordination with other government agencies and involving high-tech aerial surveillance. The authority has already deployed aerial assets in the four border areas that have been prioritised for improved enforcement. These assets have proven most successful in detecting and allowing the apprehension of persons making unauthorised border crossings. The BMA is now continuously operating drones at these locations.
