Milkor UAE has introduced the Milkor Interceptor, a state-of-the-art 30-meter patrol craft designed to enhance maritime security operations for naval and coast guard forces. This innovative vessel, developed entirely in the UAE, marks a significant expansion of Milkor’s product offerings, focusing on high-speed response and advanced situational awareness to address modern maritime threats.
Milkor UAE has expanded its product offerings with the Milkor Interceptor, a 30-meter patrol craft for maritime security, designed for high-speed response and advanced situational awareness.
The Milkor Interceptor is engineered for rapid response missions, achieving a top speed of up to 50 knots, making it ideal for inshore patrol operations. It incorporates the latest technology, including Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities, with an integrated flight deck that can accommodate up to three UAVs, each with a 3.5-meter wingspan.
These UAVs, supported by a control station and maintenance facility on board, enhance surveillance and reconnaissance. The vessel also features a deployable 3.4-meter rigid-hulled inflatable boat and two aft deck heavy weapon stations for tactical flexibility. Advanced systems such as satellite communications, Furuno radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal, and HF radio ensure comprehensive connectivity, navigation, imaging, and safety, making it a versatile platform for maritime security.
Addressing Maritime Threats
The Interceptor is specifically designed to counter piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime drug trafficking, which pose significant challenges to international waters and coastal economies. Its speed and extended range enable navies and coast guards to deter, track, and neutralize hostile elements swiftly, addressing the rise in piracy-related incidents.
For illegal fishing, which causes economic and environmental damage, the vessel’s advanced surveillance capabilities ensure effective monitoring and interception. Similarly, its rapid response is crucial for combatting drug trafficking, where smugglers exploit vast oceanic spaces, making the Interceptor a formidable deterrent.
Broader Naval Expansion
This new offering complements Milkor’s existing naval capabilities, which include the smaller Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft) designed for near-shore patrols, coast guard, and policing operations. Milkor is also expanding its lineup with systems like the Arsenal, Commander, and Ripper, all sub-35-meter vessels aimed at enhancing speed and awareness for inshore naval operations.
Notably, the 16-meter Commander high-speed patrol craft is nearing completion, with plans to introduce it to the market in the coming months. The development of the Commander began in 2023, and a scale model was showcased at the World Defense Show in Riyadh in February 2024, signaling Milkor’s commitment to meeting market demands.
Since relocating its naval headquarters to the UAE, Milkor has focused on deepening local and regional partnerships while expanding its capabilities. The company aims to fill a critical gap in the market for inshore patrol operations, targeting vessels from 6 to 35 meters for coast guard, naval, and marine force applications.
This strategy addresses growing maritime security issues, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling activities are prevalent. In Africa, for instance, piracy and illegal fishing activities pose significant challenges, while in the Middle East, insurgents and insurgent groups have been known to use naval platforms for close-to-shore operations, intercepting freighter vessels and container ships.
In Asia, the multitude of islands and shared maritime borders has led to increased infringements and smuggling activities, further highlighting the demand for Milkor’s offerings, the Interceptor and similar crafts are essential for monitoring infringements and smuggling, positioning Milkor to continue its strong growth trajectory globally.
Since relocating its naval headquarters to the UAE, Milkor has focused on deepening local and regional partnerships while expanding its capabilities. This strategic move has enabled the company to enhance its naval architecture, shipbuilding, and engineering expertise, including mechanical and propulsion engineers, as noted by Milkor’s representative in an interview with defenceWeb.
The company’s naval operations are aimed at filling a “key gap in the market for inshore patrol operations,” specifically targeting boats from 6 to 35 meters for coast guard, naval, and marine force applications. This focus addresses the growing need for such vessels in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where maritime security issues are prevalent.
Milkor’s confidence in meeting market demands is rooted in its global presence and track record. The company has shipped more than 1,000 unmanned aircraft to over a dozen countries since 2012, demonstrating its capability to deliver reliable defense solutions.
This expansion into naval systems, particularly with the Interceptor and Commander, positions Milkor to continue its strong growth trajectory, leveraging its expertise to address the evolving needs of maritime security worldwide. The Interceptor’s low operational costs, combined with its advanced features, make it a practical and sustainable choice for long-range missions, further enhancing its appeal in the global market.