Milkor says funding is holding back South African military drone purchases

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  Milkor says a lack of funding, rather than a lack of interest, is preventing South Africa’s military from buying its 380 drone.

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  The South African National Defence Force has not bought the aircraft, although it is flying for a customer in the Middle East.

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  Milkor vice-president for Africa Daniel du Plessis said the funding shortfall also stands between the drone and the Border Management Authority.

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  The 380 is a 1.5-tonne surveillance aircraft that can fly for more than 30 hours.

Who

Milkor and the South African National Defence Force are central to the story. Milkor vice-president for Africa Daniel du Plessis discussed the issue.

What

Milkor says funding is holding back South African military purchases of its 380 drone.

When

Du Plessis spoke after the Africa Aerospace and Defence expo in September. The article was published on 13 October 2026.

Where

South Africa; the expo was held at Air Force Base Waterkloof.

Why

Du Plessis says the South African National Defence Force is severely underfunded, and that money, not interest, is the obstacle.

This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.