Milkor UAE Unveils the Commander: A Cutting-Edge 45-Knot High-Speed Patrol Vessel
Milkor UAE has officially unveiled the Commander, a 16-metre high-speed patrol vessel crafted to deliver sophisticated maritime security solutions to both regional and international stakeholders. Constructed at the company’s production facilities on the coast of Abu Dhabi, the Commander signifies a crucial advancement in Milkor UAE’s entry into the naval domain.
Initially presented as a concept at the World Defence Show in Riyadh in 2024, the Commander has since undergone thorough evaluations and enhancements; the vessel is now fully operational and ready for deployment.
A Customized Platform
The Commander is specifically designed to tackle contemporary maritime issues, from coastal monitoring and infrastructure safeguarding to rapid-response operations such as search and rescue and law enforcement activities. At 16 metres long, with a 4.4-metre beam and a draft of under one metre, the aluminium monohull construction offers a blend of durability and nimbleness, enabling actions in shallow waters where larger ships struggle to navigate.
Powered by Volvo engines paired with Hamilton waterjets, the Commander can achieve speeds of up to 45 knots and maintain a 500-nautical-mile range at cruising speeds of 35 knots. This combination of velocity and endurance makes it a flexible asset for prolonged patrols or swift interception operations.
Cutting-Edge Systems and Configurations
The vessel incorporates an extensive array of sensors, including multimode radar, a 360-degree thermal imaging system, and an electro-optical/infrared gimbal. These technologies enhance situational awareness in diverse weather and illumination conditions, empowering crews to recognize and monitor potential threats with accuracy.
For higher-risk environments, the Commander provides optional ballistic shielding, including bullet-resistant glass and fortified structural components. The craft is managed by a primary crew of four but can be configured to accommodate additional personnel or mission-specific devices, granting operators the versatility to adapt to evolving operational requirements. A Strategic Advancement for Milkor UAE
The introduction of the Commander reinforces Milkor UAE’s aspiration to emerge as a pivotal player in naval defense manufacturing. Traditionally recognized for its land and air defense systems, the company has made substantial investments in its Naval Defense Solutions branch, which now designs and constructs vessels of up to 30 metres in length.
“The Commander embodies our ambition for locally developed platforms that conform to international standards,” stated Julian Coetzee, Chief Executive Officer at Milkor UAE. “It’s not merely about producing a fast patrol vessel—it’s about providing a multi-role solution that operators can rely on in complex and demanding missions.”
Addressing Evolving Maritime Demands
With escalating concerns surrounding piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and the safeguarding of crucial offshore assets, maritime forces are searching for faster, more adaptable platforms. Milkor UAE engineered the Commander to fulfill these requirements, providing an equilibrium of speed, range, and advanced technologies in a compact, easily deployable vessel.
Looking forward, Milkor UAE intends to enhance the Commander family, introducing variants outfitted with additional weapon systems or unmanned technologies to further elevate operational versatility.
“Our emphasis has always been on creating solutions that address real-world needs,” remarked James Cottrell, Head of Marine Projects at Milkor UAE. He added, “With the Commander now launched, we’re prepared to assist regional and global operators in bolstering their maritime capabilities.”
For further information about the Commander and Milkor UAE’s naval solutions, visit www.milkor.ae.
