A scale model of Milkor UAE's Interceptor was displayed for the first time at NAVDEX 2025. (Janes/Anish Markose)
Milkor UAE unveiled a new 30 m patrol and interception vessel at the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025, held from 17 to 21 February in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking to Janes at NAVDEX, James Cottrell, head of Marine Projects for Milkor UAE, said the new vessel, named Interceptor, has been designed to provide enhanced situational awareness and a rapid response capability.
โThe basic idea for the concept of operations for this vessel is that you are going to operate a VTOL UAV [vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle] from a helipad on the deck that gives you a much wider area that you can survey, combined with a very fast vessel that enables you to then go and intercept if you detect any threats,โ he said.
Key features include a flight deck for operating a 3.5 m maximum wingspan VTOL UAV with a control station and maintenance facility, along with a deployable 3.4 m rigid-hull inflatable boat and two aft deck heavy (up to 30 mm) remotely controlled weapon stations. Depending on the UAV model, the vessel can accommodate up to three UAVs onboard.
The vessel has a full load displacement of 90 tonnes, an overall length of 30 m, a beam of 6.76 m, and a draught of 1.3 m. It can carry a crew complement of 12 and has a maximum speed of 55 kt, or a cruising speed of 35 kt with a range of 1,000 n miles. It can operate in conditions up to Sea State 6.
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