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Parliament summons Defence Minister Ghassan over drone utilization

MP Meekail sought clarification on whether the drones are operational and what purposes they have served since their acquisition.

Malika Shahid
22 October 2024, MVT 13:06
Minister of Defence Ghassan Maumoon
Malika Shahid
22 October 2024, MVT 13:06

Minister of Defence Ghassan Maumoon has been summoned to the parliament to provide information on the status of three military drones that were procured from Turkey for patrolling and monitoring the Maldives economic zone.

Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem raised concerns during the parliament sitting, questioning whether the drones, which were brought at a cost of MVR 570 million, have been deployed for military service.

MP Meekail sought clarification on whether the drones are operational and what purposes they have served since their acquisition.

The drones were officially launched in a high profile ceremony at Maafaru Airport last March, marking a significant milestone in the Maldives' efforts to enhance maritime security.

The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial craft capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations. They are able to fly at altitudes of 25,000 feet for over 27 hours. They are 6 meters long, with a wing span of 12 meters, and is about 700 kg in weight.

Drones were used to locate and recover a missing fishing boat.

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