The South African Army is preparing to take delivery of new fixed-wing and rotary drones for duties that include border protection.
The Army will get the drones in part from Cape Town-based AutonoSky, founded in 2020 to produce aerial systems for rescue, fire and security organizations. The defense company develops complete aircraft, electronics and AI-driven software in-house. It supplies drones and other equipment across defense, logistics and industrial sectors.
AutonoSky manufactures the Autono1 heavy-lift multirotor drone, which has a maximum payload of 30 kilograms and a flight time of up to an hour. The drone has been integrated with multiple special payloads, including fire detection sensors and advanced electro-optical systems.
AutonoSky also is expanding its portfolio to include a new class of vertical takeoff and landing fixed-wing platforms based on South African-owned intellectual property. These will feature special sensors and modular payload architecture, enabling communications relays. The company said the new platform will give “South Africa a homegrown option in a category traditionally dominated by foreign suppliers.”
AutonoSky has introduced the A22 Manqoba, a tactical, foldable multirotor drone built for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; border security; and rapid response missions. The A22 has a tactical payload capacity of 6 to 8 kilograms.
The Army is acquiring multirotor drones and fixed-wing aircraft with a wingspan of 3 meters. Procurement includes training, support and maintenance. The Army is analyzing specific requirements of each of its land borders before deploying the aircraft for border security.
South African officials said drones are needed for disaster response, border security and event security. Organized crime networks along the borders, particularly in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, have drones of their own, Army officials said.