The "Guardian-class" patrol boat gifted to the MNDF by the Australian government was officially handed over today.

The ceremony to gift the vessel to the Maldives, held at the HMAS Stirling Naval Base in Perth, Australia, was graced by the Royal Australian Navy’s Rear Admiral Brett Sonter and the Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard, Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem.

Following the exchange of transfer documents in accordance with military maritime traditions and customs, the vessel's Commanding Officer and crew boarded the ship, raised the Maldivian flag, and officially took charge of the vessel.

The gifting of this vessel was announced by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, during his visit to the Maldives in June last year. MNDF stated that this is a significant contribution toward increasing the capability of the Maldivian military in monitoring and securing Maldivian waters and confronting maritime threats.

According to the MNDF, this vessel was acquired through collaborative efforts with the Australian government under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s policy to strengthen military defense resources and protect the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives.

MNDF also noted that doubling the Coast Guard's operational capacity and transforming the MNDF into a force capable of fully monitoring Maldivian maritime territory is a pledge of President Muizzu.

The vessel, built at Australia's Henderson Shipyard, is scheduled to be brought to the Maldives late next month following the completion of sea trials and specialized training for its crew currently being conducted in Australia.