First air corps base of Maldivian military opens in Gan, Addu

The first Air Station of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Air Corps has been established in Gan, Addu, and was officially inaugurated yesterday.

Last Monday, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief under the Constitution and the Armed Forces Act, instructed the MNDF to commence operations of the first Air Corps station.

During his current visit to Addu, the President officially inaugurated the services of the base yesterday.

The MNDF stated that the location of the center is historically, geographically, and strategically significant. The facility includes a 400-meter taxiway, a 100-meter apron, and an accommodation block for military personnel equipped with modern technical facilities.

The MNDF Air Corps’ Air Squadron 2, dedicated to operating the TV2 aircraft, is headquartered at the base. The MNDF noted that the center has been designed to allow for future expansion as the military's air power grows.

The Air Corps base was established to safeguard and sustain the Islamic faith, Maldivian independence, and the sovereignty of the country, particularly for monitoring the Maldivian airspace and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and conducting operations using aerial assets.

The establishment of this new military air base follows the formation of the MNDF Air Corps in March of last year. While the military previously operated air units under various names, its operations relied heavily on foreign countries.

The President's Office previously stated that the establishment and commencement of services at the first MNDF Air Corps station are intended to ensure the full and complete defense and monitoring of Maldivian territory 24 hours a day, enabling the military to fulfill its duties effectively.

To begin Air Corps operations, military drones, or Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicles (UAVs), were brought into the Maldives last year. These include three drones purchased from Turkey. The MNDF previously indicated that additional equipment would be acquired as budget allows.