Global Defense Insight: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to your current role as CEO of Milkor Saudi Arabia?
MC de Beer: My educational background is primarily in engineering. I initially studied Electronic Engineering at the University of Pretoria before transferring to Mechanical Engineering, where I specialized in mechanical design and internal combustion engines. I was fortunate to have Milkor South Africa as my first employer, starting as a product development engineer. This role gave me invaluable exposure to the development process, project planning, and execution of Africa’s largest and most capable drone, the Milkor 380 Unmanned Aerial System.
Eventually, I transitioned to business development for Asia, where I gained critical insights into our products, the industry, geopolitics, and the impact our company can make globally. In this role, I received mentorship from various corporate leaders, including the Head of Business Development in Asia, our Business Development Director, various CEOs, and the Chairman.
My experiences in both engineering and business development made me realize that the company’s broader vision and growth are what truly drive me. From my early business ventures with university friends in the technology sector to my current role as CEO of an international defense corporation, I have been very fortunate.
Global Defense Insight: What is your vision for Milkor Saudi Arabia, and how does it align with the overall mission of Milkor?
MC de Beer: Milkor Saudi Arabia is our approach to aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. We recognize the significant potential of the country and its talented people. We aim to be part of the growing defense industry and play a key role in fostering knowledge transfer and technology development. Our long-term objective is to establish Milkor Saudi Arabia as a permanent defense brand in the region, known for nurturing Saudi ingenuity and innovation.
Initially, our product lineup will involve technology transfers from our group, but we plan to develop new technologies rooted in supporting the local defense sector.
Global Defense Insight: How does Milkor Saudi Arabia differentiate itself in the competitive defense and aerospace market within the region?
MC de Beer: I can highlight three critical points that make us highly effective for our clients:
- We have extensively invested in research and development, not only for our main products but also for their critical sub-systems. This approach mitigates supply chain issues and ensures that our clients receive reliable, comprehensive systems throughout their lifecycle.
- Our company benefits from having a small number of decision-makers, which significantly enhances our communication speed with clients on key topics. It also simplifies discussions regarding localization, technology transfer, bespoke modifications, and more.
- Our management team comprises young professionals dedicated to forming long-term relationships with clients. This commitment ensures we build a strong and enduring network in the sector and become resilient problem solvers for our clients.
Global Defense Insight: How is Milkor Saudi Arabia collaborating with the Saudi Arabian government and military to meet their defense needs?
MC de Beer: From the start, we have engaged with key stakeholders in both government and the military. Our investment journey began with the Ministry of Investment, and we navigated the permitting and licensing process with the General Authority of Military Industries, receiving extensive support from both entities.
Milkor has had strong relationships with various military agencies since 2001. The general feedback has been that our products never fail, a statement we take pride in, especially considering the harsh Arabian desert conditions. Our minimalist team allows us to be efficient with our customers, directly understand their requirements, and discuss how our solutions can exceed their expectations.
Global Defense Insight: What are some of the latest technological advancements Milkor Saudi Arabia is working on?
MC de Beer: Being part of an international group means their technological advancements eventually become ours. We have heavily invested in our R&D facilities, enabling us to expand our aerospace, land, and naval capabilities. A significant focus is on unmanned and automation systems, which we believe are crucial markets to master in the defense sector.
Global Defense Insight: Can you share any upcoming opportunities or projects that you are particularly excited about?
MC de Beer: This year, we will be launching two brand new land systems designed for different applications. One is an agile patrol vehicle ideal for special forces, border protection, and police use. It will be practical, easy to maintain, and reliable in harsh desert conditions. The other system is a Stanag 4a&b system with advanced capabilities in mobility, protection, and technology. These systems will enhance the industry, and their first official glimpse will be at Africa Aerospace & Defense in Pretoria, South Africa, this year.
Our Naval Defense Solution team is also hard at work on the Milkor Commander, a maritime system offering superior maneuverability and rapid deployment, ideal for patrol, interception, and search and rescue operations. This will be unveiled at IDEX 2025.
Global Defense Insight: How is Milkor Saudi Arabia contributing to the localization efforts in line with Saudi Vision 2030?
MC de Beer: We have developed various project plans and scopes for the localization of our products, aiming to be a key entity in the defense industrial sector. These projects have garnered support from key stakeholders, so we are excited to initiate some of them in the near future.
Global Defense Insight: What initiatives are in place to develop local talent and ensure a skilled workforce for the future?
MC de Beer: As part of our localization framework, we intend to provide extensive training and hands-on experience in development, production, operation, and maintenance for our workforce, either in our factories in South Africa or the United Arab Emirates. We believe this journey will yield invaluable results, producing a group of young professionals who will enhance and transform the industry in the Kingdom.
Global Defense Insight: How do you see the defense and aerospace industry evolving in the next decade, and what role do you envision for Milkor Saudi Arabia in that future?
We have already expanded our development into unmanned and military automation systems, sectors which will have a generation level impact and will require advanced defense solutions. Our company has always been at the forefront, providing advanced solutions to those who need them.
Key sectors like cybersecurity and AI have also undergone massive shifts, and we are navigating these changes to ensure we provide the necessary support. This includes comprehensive packages that offer full implementation of network security solutions, from the datacenter to the endpoint.
As the industry shapes, Milkor will continue to shape alongside it.
