Turkish-donated military ship arrives in Maldives

A military vessel donated by Turkey has arrived in Maldives today.

The TCG Volkan (P-343), currently in its 45th year, is a Dogan-class fast attack craft, and is currently docked in Male' area.

A formal handover ceremony of the vessel is scheduled for next week.

Originally built by German shipyard Lurssen Werft, the Dogan-class was the first in the Turkish Navy to carry Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The vessel was reclassified as a test and training ship last year following repairs, according to Turkish defence sources.

The Maldives Defence Ministry said the donation was part of President Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to bolster the country’s military capabilities.

Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) officers have undergone training in recent months to operate the craft.

President Muizzu made his first foreign trip to Turkey after taking office, holding a series of military talks. Since then, Maldives has also purchased Turkish-made military drones, now in use by the Maldives National Defence Force.