As it expands its vessel range, Milkor continues to strengthen its naval business and has signed multiple agreements to this effect.
At the IDEX exhibition in late February, Milkor and electro-optical solutions provider HGH signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand their partnership in unmanned and autonomous surface vessels as well as maritime surveillance.
HGH designs, develops, assembles and sells electro-optics systems for industrial, civil, defence and security applications.
The MoU will allow for deeper co-operation on the development of unmanned technology, especially autonomous collision regulations (COLREGS) using HGH’s SPYNEL-M series of cameras. Additionally, it will allow for better integration of SPYNEL cameras with Milkor vessels, allowing HGH and Milkor to provide increased capability to end users, HGH said.
“We are working with Milkor to find the best ways to leverage our respective areas of expertise. In particular, the potential for increased autonomy of USVs is exciting,” said HGH CEO Vincent Leboucher.
“HGH’s line of SPYNEL cameras provides a unique 3600 infrared sensor, opening up unique possibilities for users of our vessels, especially when it comes to unmanned systems. We look forward to deepening our co-operation with HGH,” Milkor UAE CEO Julian Coetzee said.
Also at IDEX 2025, Milkor and electro-optical, infrared, and night vision (EO/IR/NV) specialist Starlight Italia signed a MoU to expand their partnership in the maritime domain.
Starlight Italia is a private owned company, based in Italy, focusing on production of EO/IR/NV systems for intelligence, surveillance, search and rescue missions for land and maritime applications.
The purpose of the MoU is to streamline co-operation between the two companies, simplify system integration, and offer the best possible solutions to clients around the world, according to Starlight Italia.
“We work closely with system integrators such as Milkor to ensure our night vision systems provide maximum value to the end user. We look forward to a productive partnership with Milkor in future,” Starlight Italia EMEA Sales Director Giovanna Iafrate said.
“Milkor aims to deliver capabilities rather than simply products. Starlight Italia’s low light imaging systems provide an important part of delivering that capability to maritime security forces around the world. We appreciate the support Starlight Italia has provided in the past, and we look forward to an even closer relationship after the signing of this MoU,” said Coetzee.
Milkor used the IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 exhibitions in Abu Dhabi last month to unveil new products, including its new 30-metre Interceptor vessel. Key features include a top speed of 55 knots and an integrated flight deck designed for operating a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with 3.5-meter wingspan, complete with control station and maintenance facility. Up to three UAVs can be accommodated on board. The vessel can also accept a deployable 3.4 metre rigid-hulled inflatable boat and two aft deck heavy weapon stations.
This new offering adds to Milkor’s existing naval capability, with the company already having designed and produced the smaller 12 metre Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft) which is primarily aimed at near shore patrols, coast guard, and policing operations.
Milkor is further expanding its naval offerings with systems such as the Arsenal, Commander, and Ripper, all of which are sub-35-metre vessels aimed at bringing speed and awareness to inshore naval operations. The Ripper range of rigid inflatable boats come in several models, including the Ripper 600, the smallest in the series, followed by the Ripper 900 (with seating for six), Ripper 1200 (with seating for up to 20), and Ripper 1500 (with an enclosed cabin as well as external seating).
Milkor’s new 16.5-metre Commander high-speed and long-range patrol craft is the final stages of qualification testing and set to launch in the first half of 2025. Development of the Commander started in 2023. The aluminium monohull design has a full load displacement of 20 tonnes. Maximum speed is 45 knots and cruising speed 35 knots for a range of 500 nautical miles.
