MNDF receives military ship donated by Turkey

Turkey has donated a military ship to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) as part of efforts to boost the country’s defence capacity.

The Dogan-class missile boat TCG Volcan (P-343) was officially handed over at a ceremony at the MPL area in Hulhumale' on Friday night, attended by president Mohamed Muizzu.

The donation follows an agreement between the two governments aimed at strengthening Maldivian defence through resources and training.

President Muizzu has made upgrading military capability a priority since taking office, with drones and other vehicles already acquired.

Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy said the ship would significantly expand the MNDF’s naval strength and was the largest vessel in its fleet.

“In terms of weapons and firepower, it is a completely different naval ship compared to the vessels currently used in the Coast Guard,” he said.

Although 45 years old, the ship was reclassified as a test and training vessel last year after undergoing repairs. MNDF officers have received specialist training in Turkey in recent months to operate it.

The Dogan-class vessels were designed by the German company Lurssen Werft and were among the first Turkish ships fitted with Harpoon anti-ship missiles, playing a key role in the country’s naval capabilities in the late 20th century.

President Muizzu made his first overseas visit as president to Turkey, where he held defence talks. The Maldives has since purchased Turkish drones, now in active use.

On Independence Day, Muizzu reiterated his stance that “every square inch of this country will be looked after by Maldivians themselves”.