Milkor UAE unveils new concept of Interceptor Craft for maritime security

Khaleej Times

12-03-2025

Abu Dhabi-based Milkor UAE has introduced an innovative maritime security vessel, the Milkor Interceptor, a state-of-the-art 30-meter patrol craft designed to enhance operational efficiency and situational awareness for naval and coast guard forces.
Developed entirely in the UAE, the Milkor Interceptor is engineered for high-speed response missions, offering an advanced approach to maritime threat mitigation. Featuring the latest technology in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities, rapid interception potential, and an efficient operational design, the vessel is set to revolutionise modern naval operations.
Designed for Rapid Littoral Missions
The Milkor Interceptor is purpose-built for missions requiring swift deployment and situational control, making it an invaluable asset for maritime law enforcement. One of its key functions is countering piracy, a persistent threat in international waters. With the rise of piracy-related incidents, the Interceptor provides navies and coast guards with the necessary tools to deter, track, and neutralise hostile elements swiftly.
Illegal fishing is another growing concern for maritime authorities, as unauthorized vessels encroach on protected waters, leading to economic and environmental damage. The Interceptor's advanced surveillance and rapid-response capabilities ensure effective monitoring and interception of such activities. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in combatting maritime drug trafficking. Smugglers frequently exploit vast oceanic spaces to transport illicit goods, and the Interceptor's speed and extended range make it a formidable deterrent against such operations.
Game-Changing UAV integration for superior surveillance
One of the defining features of the Milkor Interceptor is its integration of a VTOL UAV platform, significantly enhancing its surveillance capabilities. Unlike conventional patrol vessels that rely solely on ship-mounted sensors with limited range, the Interceptor incorporates a large, dedicated launch pad and operational support facilities. This system accommodates unmanned aerial vehicles with a wingspan of up to 3.5 meters, offering a considerable advantage in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
The UAV system extends the vessel's surveillance reach by an impressive 100 to 150 kilometres, operating at altitudes between 5,000 and 10,000 feet. This capability addresses a major limitation of traditional maritime security vessels, which often struggle with line-of-sight constraints. The UAVs deployed from the Interceptor provide real-time intelligence, enabling continuous monitoring and eliminating potential blind spots. Moreover, the UAV system acts as a force multiplier, significantly enhancing the vessel's ability to detect threats without requiring additional manned assets.
High-speed interception for Rapid Threat Neutralisation
Speed is a critical factor in maritime security, and the Milkor Interceptor is designed to outpace and intercept fast-moving threats effectively. Equipped with a powerful triple-engine propulsion system, the vessel achieves speeds of up to 50 knots, ensuring rapid response to various security challenges. Whether pursuing suspicious boats, intercepting illegal fishing vessels attempting to evade authorities, or halting high-speed drug smuggling operations, the Interceptor guarantees that threats are neutralised before they can escape territorial waters.
The vessel's high-speed capability, combined with its advanced surveillance system, enables it to conduct preemptive security operations with precision. This rapid response feature is particularly beneficial in littoral zones where agility and speed are paramount for successful mission execution.
Efficient crew operations and long-endurance missions
Despite its sophisticated design and 30-metre length, the Milkor Interceptor is engineered for optimal crew efficiency. Requiring only 12 to 14 personnel for full operational capacity, the vessel reduces manpower costs while maximising mission effectiveness.
The vessel's endurance is another standout feature. Designed to operate at sea for up to 14 days, it ensures sustained maritime security operations without the need for frequent docking. This extended endurance is vital for patrol missions covering vast maritime territories, allowing security forces to maintain a strong presence without operational downtime.
To further enhance efficiency, the Interceptor is equipped with advanced automated systems that reduce crew workload and fatigue. Navigation, surveillance, and interception operations are seamlessly managed, ensuring peak performance even during extended missions.
A benchmark in maritime security
The Milkor Interceptor represents a significant leap forward in maritime security technology. By integrating an advanced VTOL UAV platform, high-speed interception capabilities, and an efficient crew model, it redefines how naval and coast guard forces conduct patrol and interdiction operations.
As maritime threats continue to evolve, the demand for agile, technologically superior, and cost-effective security solutions is greater than ever. With the introduction of the Milkor Interceptor, Milkor UAE has set a new benchmark in littoral mission excellence. The vessel's innovative design ensures that security forces remain one step ahead, safeguarding territorial waters with precision, speed, and cutting-edge technology.