A military patrol ship donated by the Australian government has been commissioned into service with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to strengthen surveillance of the country's maritime zones.
President and Commander-in-Chief Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially commissioned the vessel, named Imaduddin, at a ceremony on Monday night.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship is equipped with modern technology to enhance the MNDF's operational capabilities.
The MNDF completed three months of training before bringing the ship to the Maldives. The 14-day delivery voyage was carried out by MNDF personnel and marked the force's longest sea voyage to date.
President Muizzu first announced the ship's donation under Australia's grant assistance during this year's Presidential Address.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy said strengthening the MNDF's capabilities remains one of the President's top priorities. He noted that President Muizzu has pledged to further develop the MNDF's naval capabilities.
Hilmy said the Maldives had previously acquired a military ship from Turkey and that the addition of the Australian-donated ship would further enhance the country's maritime security.
He added that the Maldives Navy remains committed to safeguarding the country's waters and ensuring no part of the nation's maritime territory is left unprotected.
