2 min read - 28 Aug, 2025
Zodiac Milpro delivers new MOD intercept and escort boats
The first two of 24 rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) have been delivered to the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) Marine Unit at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde, marking the start of a fleet modernisation programme.
The £13m Intercept and Escort Craft (IEC) contract, awarded to Swansea-based Zodiac Milpro UK, will see new vessels deployed across Portsmouth, Devonport and Clyde naval bases by February 2027.
The new boats will replace several ageing classes from the early 1990s with a single standardised fleet. This streamlined approach will simplify training requirements, as officers will only need to learn one craft type, while also reducing maintenance costs and improving deployment flexibility.
The versatile craft will enable MDP to continue providing an armed policing presence across Britain’s key naval installations with rapid response capability. Officers will use the vessels to support the King’s Harbour Master – the naval officer responsible for the safe navigation and security of vessels in naval ports.
Zodiac Milpro have delivered the first two of 24 rigid-hulled inflatable boats to the Ministry of Defence / Picture: Zodiac Milpro
The multi-purpose crafts will also be used to escort submarines, capital ships and designated Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels while maintaining round-the-clock security patrols in all weather conditions.
The contract sustains four jobs at Zodiac Milpro’s Swansea facility, where project management and systems integration take place. The boats are manufactured at the company’s Spanish facility in Roses, with the parent company headquartered in Paris.
Steven Evans, technical project manager at Zodiac Milpro UK, said: “The delivery of the first two IEC RHIBs to the UK MOD Marine Defence Police marks an important milestone in our work under the IEC contract.
“This achievement demonstrates an efficient collaboration between Zodiac Milpro International, the DE&S Boats team and the MDP Marine Unit, along with UK design and suppliers providing enhanced electronic technology for tracking, surveillance, navigation and communication capabilities.”
The £13m Intercept and Escort Craft (IEC) contract will see new vessels deployed across Portsmouth, Devonport and Clyde naval bases by February 2027 / Picture: Zodiac Milpro
Rebecca Porter-James, acquisition project manager for DE&S Boats, added: “This project has been a great example of how well Zodiac Milpro UK, the Royal Navy and the MOD Police work together. The close collaboration meant we could develop boats that really fit what’s needed operationally, while keeping quality and reliability at the top of the agenda. It’s been brilliant working with both teams to boost the UK’s maritime security through this procurement.”
The programme forms part of the government’s commitment to maintaining strong national security foundations while supporting economic growth through efficient defence procurement.
