Milkor UAE’s new Commander high-speed patrol craft has been observed undergoing its final qualification sea trials off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The 16.5-meter vessel was put through a series of high-energy maneuvers, including crash stops, high-speed hairpin turns, and figure-eight patterns, to validate its design specifications ahead of its formal market launch.
The successful completion of these trials marks the final stage of a rapid development program that began in 2023. A scale model was first displayed at the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh in February 2024, followed by the prototype’s presentation at NAVDEX in Abu Dhabi in February 2025. The vessel is now on track for its planned market introduction.
The Commander is an aluminium monohull vessel designed for a demanding, high-threat environment. Milkor is targeting coast guard and law enforcement agencies in the Middle East and Africa, offering a platform optimised for border control, anti-piracy operations, interdiction, and countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Performance and Handling
The trials near Abu Dhabi focused on validating the vessel’s high-manoeuvrability design, which is central to its role as an interceptor. The boat is powered by either twin Caterpillar C12.9 or Volvo D13 engines, each producing 1,000 horsepower.
These engines are paired with twin waterjet propulsion units, either Hamilton HJ403 or MLP 400X. This propulsion choice is a key design trade-off. While propellers can be more efficient at lower patrol speeds, waterjets provide superior acceleration and exceptional manoeuvrability at both high and low speeds. During trials, the Commander demonstrated its ability to execute a full turn within a 48-meter radius, or just three boat lengths, at high speed. The waterjets also give the vessel a very shallow draught of 0.8 meters, allowing it to operate in littoral waters and close to shore.
The vessel achieves a top speed of 45 knots, with a rapid cruising speed of 35 knots. At this cruise speed, it offers a range of 500 nautical miles, enabling it to conduct extended offshore patrols and rapid-response missions.
James Cottrell, Head of Marine Projects at Milkor UAE, stated the trials were essential for validating the design under stress. “It’s important to put the boat through high-energy manoeuvres to make sure everything is performing as per the specification,” he said. “It’s always satisfying to validate a design you have put a lot of work into. Commander is great to drive; she handles beautifully and tackles rough seas effortlessly.”
Design for Rough Seas and Survivability
A core design feature of the Commander is its seakeeping ability, which is intended to be superior to other vessels in its size class. The aluminium hull is engineered for high strength, allowing the boat to remain stable at extreme heel angles. It is class-approved for operation in up to Sea State 5, meaning it is built to withstand waves up to four meters high.
This robust construction directly supports its intended role, allowing crews to operate further offshore and in rougher conditions than typical coastal craft might permit. This extends the operational envelope for counter-smuggling or search and rescue (SAR) missions, which often must be conducted in adverse weather.
Survivability for the crew, which can number up to 10 personnel, is another key consideration. The vessel is equipped with bulletproof glass and spall lining to provide ballistic protection for the crew during interdiction or law enforcement operations. Armament is centred on a remote weapon station (RWS), allowing the crew to operate the weapon from the safety of the cabin.
A Multi-Sensor Approach
For its primary surveillance and interdiction tasks, the Commander is equipped with an advanced sensor suite. Unlike conventional patrol boats that may rely on a single radar and camera, Milkor has integrated multiple systems.
The sensor package includes a multimodal radar system, an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal for long-range visual identification, and a 360-degree thermal camera for close-in situational awareness. This multi-layered approach enhances target tracking and threat detection, allowing the crew to build a more comprehensive tactical picture.
With its full load displacement of 20 tonnes, the Commander is a dense, sensor-rich, and highly agile platform. It is built to fill the gap between small, fast inshore interceptors and larger, slower, but more sea-worthy offshore patrol vessels, offering a blend of both capabilities.
