President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that this year, too, the government will work to provide more resources and further strengthen the defence forces.
In his annual presidential address to parliament today, President Muizzu highlighted that extensive efforts were undertaken over the past year to reinforce the defence forces and equip all units with additional resources to enhance services.
Under efforts to double the MNDF Coast Guard service, the largest military vessel used in the force yet was brought into service last year, the President said. This vessel was gifted by the Turkiye government.
Efforts were also launched last year to obtain inspector crafts for maritime operations and rescue and search operations, with three such vessels brought into service last year, he added.
"Seventeen more vessels of the kind will be brought into service this year," the President announced.
He further revealed that the Government of Japan has agreed to extend financial assistance to source two harbour craft patrol vessels.
In addition to this, a ship will be brought through Australian government aid this year to assist in monitoring of Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone, the President said.
President Muizzu also noted that to expand MNDF Air Corps, MNDF's first air station was established in Gan, Addu last year. Work to establish an air station in northern Maldives will reach completion this year, he said, with the Sh. Funadhoo air station to be brought into operation.
Military drones, or Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicles (UAV) to start the Air Corps services were brought to Maldives in 2024. These were three drones bought from Turkey. MNDF has previously said that more equipment will be brought in as budget allows.
The President further said that modern vessels were also brought in for MNDF Marine Corps last year, with more resources to be sought this year.
"MNDF's education and training will be further advanced. Under this, efforts have begun to reclaim land at Girifushi, to establish infrastructural facilities, and to further develop the MNDF Addu Training Centre," he announced.
This year, important work will be commenced to develop the infrastructure of Kathuthuhkalaa Koshi, he said.
President Muizzu went on to highlight that major efforts are necessary to improve MNDF's Fire and Rescue Service, Emergency Operations Service, Operational Logistics, accommodation and administration. These will also be addressed within the year, he announced.
He further stated that infrastructural facilities needed by MNDF will be developed across the atolls.
