Milkor has unveiled its latest naval product, the Milkor Commander, at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia. The 16-metre patrol craft is designed for a variety of maritime security and law enforcement missions, such as anti-piracy, border control, and search and rescue.
The Commander features a hydrodynamic hull that optimises speed, range, and manoeuvrability, according to Milkor. The vessel can reach up to 45 knots and travel 500 nautical miles at 35 knots, making it suitable for rapid deployment and long endurance operations. The vessel also has a spacious deck and a high payload capacity, allowing it to carry up to 10 personnel and various equipment. The vessel is equipped with waterjet propulsion, bulletproof glass, spall lining, and a remote weapon station.
James Cottrell, Head of Marine Projects at Milkor UAE, said that the Commander is a versatile and reliable platform that can meet the diverse needs of coastal security and law enforcement agencies. He added that the vessel has a high level of protection and seakeeping ability, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the crew.
Milkor said that the development of the Commander was driven by the increasing demand for high-speed naval response capabilities in the face of growing threats such as piracy, human trafficking, and smuggling along the coastlines of Africa and the Middle East. The company said that it has a strong expertise and experience in developing and supporting naval vessels, and that it can produce vessels up to 30 metres in length.
Milkor also showcased its Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC), a 12-metre vessel that uses a hydrofoil supported catamaran design to achieve high cruising speeds. The IPC can operate in both manned and unmanned modes, and can be armed with two lightweight torpedoes. Milkor said that the IPC has successfully completed trials and that it is in talks with a potential customer in the Middle East.
Milkor said that it will reveal more details and capabilities of the Commander and the IPC at the next edition of IDEX, the International Defence Exhibition and Conference, in 2025.
Meanwhile, Milkor is in advanced negotiations with Saudi Arabia over a potential order for its 380 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), which the company says it can fully assemble and manufacture in the kingdom.
The 380 drone, which made its debut flight in September 2023, is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class aircraft that can carry a variety of weapons and sensors for surveillance, reconnaissance and strike missions.
The 380 drone was displayed at the World Defense Show in Riyadh with Saudi Arabian markings for the first time, armed with Halcon Desert Sting guided bombs and Al Tariq precision guided weapons. It was also equipped with the L3Harris MX-15 Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) gimbal.
