Milkor and HGH signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to expand their partnership in unmanned and autonomous surface vessels as well as maritime surveillance. The signing ceremony took place at Milkor’s stand at IDEX 2025.
The signing ceremony was attended by HGH CEO Vincent Leboucher and Milkor UAE CEO Julian Coetzee.
Milkor is a global defence contractor operating across multiple domains. In the maritime domain, Milkor delivers a variety of vessels designed to enhance maritime security in a variety of roles, including a range of USVs.
HGH designs, develops, assembles and sells electro-optics systems for industrial, civil, defence and security applications. The company has established itself as an international reference in terms of innovation in infrared technology, through the development of multiple advanced sensors.
The MoU will allow for deeper co-operation on the development of unmanned technology, especially autonomous COLREGS using the SPYNEL-M series of cameras. Additionally, it will allow for better integration of SPYNEL Cameras with Milkor vessels, allowing HGH and Milkor to provide increased capability to end users.
Mr Leboucher stated that, “We are working with Milkor to find the best ways to leverage our respective areas of expertise. In particular, the potential for increased autonomy of USVs is exciting.”
“HGHs line of SPYNEL cameras provides a unique 3600 infrared sensor, opening up unique possibilities for users of our vessels, especially when it comes to unmanned systems. We look forward to deepening our co-operation with HGH,” said Mr Coetzee.
Milkor continues to strengthen its naval business and has signed multiple agreements to this effect.
Also at the IDEX exhibition in late February, Milkor and electro-optical, infrared, and night vision (EO/IR/NV) specialist Starlight Italia signed a MoU to expand their partnership in the maritime domain.
Milkor unveiled new products, including its new 30-metre Interceptor vessel at the IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 exhibitions in Abu Dhabi last month.
This products adds to Milkor’s existing naval capability, with the company already having designed and produced the smaller 12 metre Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft) which is primarily aimed at near shore patrols, coast guard, and policing operations.
Milkor is further expanding its naval offerings with systems such as the Arsenal, Commander, and Ripper, all of which are sub-35-metre vessels aimed at bringing speed and awareness to inshore naval operations.
