Male, Nov 7 (PTI): In a significant development, President Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives announced that the country would be acquiring a military aircraft next year, as he inaugurated the first dedicated air station for the national defense force.
The state-run Public Service Media (PSM News) noted that this landmark event formalizes a crucial aspect of the island nation's defense strategy, thereby greatly enhancing the capabilities of the newly formed Air Corps.
The Maldives National Defence Force’s (MNDF) Gan Air Station, commissioned on Wednesday, is situated in the southernmost Addu city. President Muizzu, as reported by the Adhadhu news portal, stated, "The Maldivian army has advanced in all areas. We anticipate further progress in the coming year. We have already decided to procure military aircraft for the Air Corps," although he did not divulge further details.
According to the Adhadhu news portal, the Maldivian government's military expenditures have risen, yet specifics remain undisclosed due to "national security reasons.” The proposed state budget for 2026 allocates MVR 2.8 billion for military expenses, which accounts for "four percent of the total budget." The biggest military spending by the government to date is a USD 37 million (MVR 570 million) contract to purchase six military drones from Turkey, the portal added.
Furthermore, next year's budget comprises a considerable outlay on insurance for these drones, with the government earmarking MVR 99 million for private insurance.
The commissioning of the Gan Air Station follows a Presidential Decree issued on November 3 that established the primary mission for the MNDF’s air wing. Under this decree, the MNDF Air Corps is tasked with establishing and operationalizing the air station for airspace surveillance, monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and executing Air Corps operations.
The decree further mandates implementing 24-hour continuous surveillance over the EEZ to ensure that the Air Corps effectively fulfills its operational and national security responsibilities.
The formalization of the Air Corps took place earlier on March 15, 2024, as per a separate Presidential Decree, according to PSMNews.
Last year, Muizzu inaugurated the MNDF’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) service at a ceremony at Maafaru International Airport.
"With the commissioning of the Gan Air Station, all air military operations necessary to secure Maldivian airspace have now been fully launched," PSMNews reported.
Meanwhile, a separate report by the state-run media on Friday highlighted that the MNDF successfully intercepted a foreign vessel operating illegally in Maldivian waters, an operation facilitated by surveillance conducted using a drone from the newly established MNDF Air Corps. "This incident signifies a significant enhancement of the island nation's maritime security capabilities," PSM News added.
The MNDF Coast Guard Special Boat Squadron executed the interception following detection by the drone, though no further details were released by the MNDF.
Equipped with remarkable specifications, the MNDF's newly introduced armored unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can fly for 20 continuous hours at speeds of 220 kilometers per hour and can conduct search and rescue operations in complete darkness, PSM News reported.
This advanced technology marks a considerable upgrade from previous patrol efforts, which involved the army monitoring the expansive Maldivian waters with much difficulty, relying solely on Coast Guard marine vessels.
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