Key Takeaways

• The South African Army is introducing a new generation of drones to enhance border security
• The drones are part of a R700 million budget for border-safeguarding technology, with R40 million allocated for the unmanned aircraft
• The new drones will be supplied by two companies: AutonoSky and Autel Robotics
• The drones will be used for security, rescue, and surveillance work, and will replace or supplement existing units
• The introduction of the new drone fleet is expected to significantly boost the army’s ability to monitor remote terrain, respond quickly to incidents, and clamp down on cross-border crime

Introduction to the New Drone Fleet
The South African Army is preparing to roll out a new generation of drones to strengthen border security. This is part of the government’s R700 million budget for border-safeguarding technology, with R40 million expected to fund the unmanned aircraft. The introduction of the new drone fleet is a significant development in the army’s efforts to modernize its border security capabilities. The drones will be used to outmatch organized crime syndicates operating along the country’s borders, and will provide the army with enhanced surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

Gearing Up for New Technology
The South African Army is expanding its drone fleet as part of a broader push to modernize border security. The new unmanned aircraft will come from two suppliers: Cape Town-based AutonoSky and China’s Autel Robotics. AutonoSky, a fast-growing local drone manufacturer founded in 2020, is providing multi-rotor and soon-to-launch fixed-wing drones designed specifically for security, rescue, and surveillance work. The company’s heavy-lift Autono1 drone, built in South Africa, can carry up to 30 kg and stay airborne for an hour. AutonoSky is also developing a new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone that can handle long-range missions, border patrols, and conservation work.

Drone Specifications and Capabilities
The new drones will have a range of capabilities and specifications. AutonoSky’s smaller tactical drone, the foldable A22 Manqoba, will support rapid-response operations with cameras, spotlights, and other smart sensors. Autel Robotics will supply additional multi-rotor drones and fixed-wing aircraft with a wingspan of roughly three meters. Some of these models can fly for up to three hours and cover distances of up to 45 km. The SA Army says it is currently assessing each land border’s specific needs before deployment. The new drones will replace or supplement smaller units currently used at the Kruger National Park and in peacekeeping missions.

Budget Allocation and Deployment
The R40 million budgeted for the new drones forms part of Treasury’s R700 million budget for border-safeguarding systems. Of this, R16 million is going toward 16 quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles, while R24 million will pay for long-range UAVs. Lieutenant Colonel W. Booysen from the SA Army’s Tactical Intelligence Regiment said drone demand is growing rapidly across the force – from disaster response to event security. With criminal groups increasingly using their own drone tech along the borders, he said the army needs systems that can "outmatch what syndicates are flying." The arrival of the new drone fleet is expected to significantly boost the army’s ability to monitor remote terrain, respond quickly to incidents, and clamp down on cross-border crime.

Expected Impact and Benefits
The introduction of the new drone fleet is expected to have a significant impact on the army’s border security capabilities. The drones will provide enhanced surveillance and monitoring capabilities, allowing the army to respond quickly to incidents and clamp down on cross-border crime. The drones will also be used for security, rescue, and surveillance work, and will replace or supplement existing units. The SA Army says it is currently assessing each land border’s specific needs before deployment, to ensure that the new drones are used effectively and efficiently. Overall, the introduction of the new drone fleet is a significant development in the army’s efforts to modernize its border security capabilities and enhance its ability to protect the country’s borders.