MNDF displays new military vehicles

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has displayed its new military vehicles in a special parade held in Malé City yesterday to mark the 133rd anniversary of the Maldivian armed forces.

The parade began with a special ceremony held in front of the President's Office. The event was officiated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Commander-in-Chief of the MNDF, who was accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, and their two children.

One of the highlights of the parade was the display of the new armored vehicles brought to MNDF. This included five armoured vehicles reportedly brought to Maldives within the past month. However, MNDF has not yet released any details regarding this, making the value of these vehicle unclear as well.

MNDF has always used armoured vehicles, some of which were displayed in army parades in the past.

While President Muizzu has previously said that improving MNDF's capacity is one of his biggest priorities, Turkiye had recently announced plans to donate a Dogan-class, missile-capable, TCG Volkan (P-343) ship to the Maldives.

Turkish Defense Ministry officials have reportedly said that the delivery of the vessel, which was put into service 44 years ago but, is no longer used in Turkiye for military purposes, is expected to be completed by July this year. After the vessel is brought to Maldives, the Turkish navy will conduct two weeks of advanced operational training in Maldives, Turkish defence officials said.

Military drones have also been put to use in Maldives, to patrol the country’s EEZ since March 15 last year. They were also brought in with Turkish assistance, however with some expenses from the Maldivian government as well.

The MNDF parade yesterday featured the MNDF band, road, naval and air force activities and some military vehicles, as well.

MNDF Command Sergeant Major Abdullah Saeed told state media PSM that the army's honour marches have been held in Malé since the 1940s. The event is held every year on various occasions and receives a great response from the public, he said.

“The public saw these armoured vehicles added to the service of the army for the first time,” he said.

"Today's honour parade is especially special because of the newly introduced road vehicles. We already had road vehicles or vehicles to be used in urban areas in the Maldivian army. But these types of vehicles were introduced for the first time," Saeed explained.

Saeed said the vehicles will be used in the army's area commands in the future.