Milkor UAE has established itself as a prominent player in the global defense and security industry, fueled by a dedication to innovation, technological excellence, and strategic partnerships. With a focus on developing advanced multi-domain solutions across air, land, and sea, the company has significantly expanded its presence in the defense sector. Notable achievements include the launch of the Milkor 380 UAV and the unveiling of the Milkor Commander, a high-speed patrol craft tailored for modern security operations, demonstrating their commitment to advancing defense capabilities.
We had the privilege to interview Julian Coetzee, CEO of Milkor UAE, to explore the company’s latest innovations, its contributions to the UAE’s defense sector, and its vision for the future.
Global Defense Insight: Can you share Milkor UAE’s vision and mission in the global defence and security industry?
Julian Coetzee: “At Milkor, our vision is to be a leading force in the global defence and security industry, recognized for delivering reliable, innovative and purpose-built solutions for defence forces world-wide. We aim to empower defence forces with advanced technologies tailored to meet their individual dynamic needs to cater for the demands of modern security and warfare operations”
Global Defense Insight: What has been the biggest milestone for Milkor UAE since its establishment?
Julian Coetzee: Since its establishment in 1981, Milkor has achieved several significant milestones, but one of the most notable has been our successful expansion into the global defence market with the introduction of multi-domain defence solutions. Of recent years our most significant launches include The Milkor 380 – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), The Milkor Vanguard and Frontier– Armoured Personal Carriers and The Milkor Commander – High Speed Patrol Craft/Vessel.
For our branch in the UAE, it is most certainly the launch of the Milkor Commander. We are very proud to launch this 16m High Speed Craft/Vessel in Q1 of 2025. The Commander has been completely developed from the ground up by our team of experienced naval engineers and architects to answer the demands of local and international Coast Guard and Policing operations.
Our achievements thus far reflect our commitment to real time innovation and operational efficiencies towards driving Milkor’s growth as a key figure in the defence industry.
Global Defense Insight: How do you see Milkor UAE contributing to the UAE’s defence industry ecosystem?
Julian Coetzee: At Milkor, we are committed to playing a pivotal role in strengthening the UAE’s defence industry ecosystem through technological innovation, local manufacturing, and strategic partnerships.
Our Naval Division is based in Abu Dhabi. At the shipyard, our means of contribution are by ensuring we enhance local capabilities. All manufacturing, research and development is done here with our experience team who all aim to promote self-reliance and reduce any dependence on foreign technologies. The UAE has a growing defence industry, and we are proud to be part of that network. Our responsibility is to ensure we focus on strategic local collaboration, knowledge transfer and economic diversification to ensure continuation of the upward trend of that growth in line with the objectives of the UAE’s National Defence and Security Strategy.
Global Defense Insight: What are your company’s priorities for innovation in defence technology?
Julian Coetzee: Our priorities for innovation in defence technology are driven by the need to address the evolving challenges of modern warfare and security. Established in the early 1980s and a trusted supplier of multiple 40mm launchers, we are still an emerging player in the broader defence ecosystem. Therefore. our focus is and always has been to develop reliable, versatile and mission-ready solutions that provide strategic efficiencies across Air, Land and Sea applications.
Global Defense Insight: The Milkor 380 UAV has generated considerable interest. Could you share more about its operational capabilities and what makes it stand out in the market?
Julian Coetzee: The Milkor 380 UAV has received significant attention in the market due to its operational capabilities, versatility, and advanced technology. Designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern military and security operations, the Milkor 380 stands out in several key areas.
Firstly, the Milkor 380 has significant operational capabilities. The Milkor 380 offers
extended flight time of up to 30 to 35 hours of continuous operation, ideal for lengthy surveillance, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. With a Maximum payload 220kgs (535kgs including fuel), the Milkor 380 can carry a wide range of sensors, EO/IR cameras, radar systems and precisions guided munitions, offering multi mission flexibility.
The Milkor 380s modular architecture allows for rapid reconfiguration, enabling operators to switch between mission profiles with ease. We believe our competitive edge is the balance between endurance, payload and cost effectiveness making it an asset for both military and security forces alike.
Global Defense Insight: Will Milkor be unveiling any new products or technologies at upcoming defence exhibitions? If so, could you give us a sneak peek?
Julian Coetzee: The Milkor Commander, our latest development set to be launched at the end of this quarter. It’s designed to push the boundaries of operational capability and versatility, and we’re confident it will make a strong impact. The Commander is our 16m aluminium monohull high speed patrol craft engineered to meet the demanding needs of coast guards and law enforcement.
Our team of naval architects have developed the Commander in response to the demands of coast guards world-wide. Our team of Business Developers have built the relationships with defence and securities forces to understand the needs and have filtered this down to our engineering departments. We are excited for this launch and we look forward to bringing this to our client base world wide.
Global Defense Insight: How does Milkor UAE leverage emerging technologies, such as AI or robotics, in its product development?
Julian Coetzee: Currently, we prioritize innovation by relying on the expertise of our skilled and experienced engineers, who play a crucial role in our product development process. While we continuously monitor emerging technologies like AI and robotics for potential integration, our focus remains on combining experienced engineering with proven design principles to deliver reliable and effective solutions. This approach ensures that our products meet the highest standards of performance and adaptability in diverse operational environments.
Global Defense Insight: If you had to describe Milkor UAE in one word, what would it be and why?
Julian Coetzee: “Committed”
At Milkor, we are invested in advancing our defence capabilities, supporting national security objective. This word reflects our dedication to innovation and reliability in every aspect of our operations. Whether through developing our range of defence solutions or nurturing local capabilities, our commitment drives us to deliver impactful results that meet the evolving demands of the global defence landscape.
