President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated tonight that most of the equipment that will be used by the MNDF Air Corps to surveil the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives were gifted as free aid to the Maldives by Turkey.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated tonight that most of the equipment that will be used by the MNDF Air Corps to surveil the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives were gifted as free aid to the Maldives by Turkey.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Maafaru International Airport tonight, the President said that it would be incorrect to consider the Maldives a small nation.
The President highlighted that the country has 900,000 square meters of ocean territory within its Exclusive Economic Zone, but noted that to date, the country had been unable to sufficiently monitor this area. He said that due to the country's lack of capability to independently run surveillance on such a large area, the Maldives had always had to depend on foreign parties to assist in monitoring its territory.
The President affirmed that from now onwards Maldives will independently surveil its territories and monitor its borders. He emphasized that these hopes had been realized today, through the services establishment of the border surveillance services today with the assistance of a foreign nation.
The President assured that although only three drones are being used today, more equipment will be obtained in the future.
"I proudly emphasize that much of this equipment was granted through free aid by the Turkish government due to the close relations between our countries," the President announced.
"There will no longer be delays in search and rescue operations. 900,000 square meters will constantly be under surveillance from now on, we have the guarantee that we will be able to find any person at risk," the President said.
President Dr Muizzu also noted that outside help had needed to be sought previously to intercept various drug trafficking operations. However, with the strengthening of surveillance through the help of UAV, transportation of drugs to islands will also be brought to a stop now.
"God willing, we will succeed in achieving that," the President said.
Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon stated that the defence forces are dedicated to protect the sovereignty and independence of the nation, and to forever stand in protection of, and to find ease for the people.
He highlighted that warfare had also received technological advancements in recent days, with such activities being conducted with less risk to the lives of troops in these modern times.
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