South Africa’s Milkor Expands Naval Capabilities with Advanced Patrol Vessel Development in the UAE.

Milkor, a leading South African defense company, is expanding its naval capabilities through its dedicated Naval Division in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This division brings together a team of experts specializing in marine engineering, naval architecture, vessel research, design, prototyping, and manufacturing. As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the maritime defense sector, Milkor Marine has commenced the construction of its latest patrol vessel, the Milkor Commander, a 16.5-meter craft designed for coastal security and law enforcement missions.
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Milkor’s shipyard in Abu Dhabi, UAE, showcases the construction of the advanced Commander Patrol Vessel, which is designed for maritime security and law enforcement operations. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Operating under Milkor Naval Defence Solutions (NDS) in the UAE, the company provides a comprehensive range of maritime security solutions, including small patrol boats, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Its expertise also extends to maritime engineering services such as payload integration, ballistic protection for composite-hulled vessels, ship maintenance, and the application of radar-absorbing materials. The company's shipyard in Abu Dhabi is capable of manufacturing vessels up to 35 meters in length using aluminum and composite materials, ensuring that all products meet the highest industry standards. By keeping research, development, manufacturing, and testing in-house, Milkor maintains control over quality and innovation. Additionally, the company integrates advanced mission systems, sensor packages, weapon configurations, and unmanned technologies based on client-specific operational needs.

The Milkor Commander has been developed as a multi-role patrol vessel to address modern maritime threats, including piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking. Designed for use by coast guards, naval forces, and law enforcement agencies, the vessel offers a high level of mission customization to adapt to different operational requirements. End-users can select between two powerful propulsion systems: either two Volvo D13 engines or two CAT C12.9 engines, each delivering up to 1,000 horsepower. To enhance maneuverability, especially at low speeds or in rough sea conditions with swells reaching up to four meters, the vessel can be equipped with either Hamilton HJ403s or MJP 400Xs waterjet propulsion systems. This system provides superior handling and performance compared to traditional propeller-driven patrol boats. The propulsion system is also designed for easy maintenance, featuring five hatches that allow technicians to remove equipment without modifying the deck structure.

Constructed with an aluminum monohull, the Milkor Commander benefits from a lightweight design that enhances fuel efficiency and ensures durability through superior corrosion resistance. It boasts a cruising speed of 35 knots and a maximum speed of 45 knots, with an operational range of 500 nautical miles at 30 knots. These performance specifications make it well-suited for high-speed interception, search-and-rescue operations, coastal defense, and anti-piracy missions.

The vessel's interior layout is designed for operational flexibility, enabling extended patrols with a four-person core crew while accommodating up to 12 personnel for shorter missions. The cabin and wheelhouse are built to provide comfort and efficiency for personnel operating in demanding environments. For enhanced protection in hostile regions, the Milkor Commander features a reinforced hull and a B6-level ballistic protection cabin, which includes bulletproof glass and spall lining to safeguard against small-arms fire.

To improve situational awareness, the vessel is equipped with an advanced sensor suite, including a multimode radar system, an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal, and a 360° thermal camera. Unlike conventional patrol vessels that typically rely on a single radar-camera system, Milkor’s approach enhances target tracking and threat detection through multiple integrated sensors, ensuring greater maritime surveillance capabilities.

Milkor’s growing presence in the UAE highlights its commitment to advancing maritime defense technology and expanding its naval portfolio. The company is positioning itself as a key player in the global maritime security sector by combining cutting-edge vessel manufacturing with innovative system integrations. With the Milkor Commander, the company offers a next-generation patrol vessel designed to meet the evolving challenges modern naval and law enforcement forces face.