Image courtesy MoD / Crown Copyright
 
The first two of 24 rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) have been delivered by the DE&S Boats Team 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 £13 million Intercept and Escort Craft (IEC) contract, awarded to Zodiac Milpro UK based in Swansea, Wales, will see new vessels deployed across Portsmouth, Devonport and Clyde naval bases by February 2027. 

 
These new boats will replace several aging classes with a single, more efficient fleet. This streamlined approach will reduce training requirements and maintenance costs while delivering improved operational effectiveness for MDP maritime patrols. 
 
The new fleet replaces boats from the early 1990s and meets modern Whole Body Vibration health and safety standards that protect officers’ exposure to vibration within the marine environment.  
 
The standardised design enhances defence infrastructure protection while simplifying training requirements, as officers only need to learn one craft type, improving deployment flexibility and reducing operational costs. 
 
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. 
 
Inspector McArdle, MoD Police Operational Support (Marine), said: "The team and I are very enthused to see these new Intercept and Escort Craft delivered, representing a significant upgrade in our maritime security capabilities.  
 
“The enhanced manoeuverability and all-weather performance will ensure we can maintain the highest standards of protection for our naval bases." 
 
The multipurpose 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. 
 
Rebecca Porter-James, DE&S Boats Acquisition Project Manager, said: “This project has been a great example of how well Zodiac Milpro UK, the Royal Navy and 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 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, Zodiac Milpro UK’s Technical Project Manager, 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.  
 
“Zodiac Milpro International are committed to delivering high-performance craft that meet the demanding operational requirements of our customers. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the vital work of the UK MoD.” 
 
The programme forms part of the Government's commitment to maintaining strong national security foundations while supporting economic growth through efficient defence procurement.