Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday announced that the island nation will acquire its first military aircraft next year, as part of a broader effort to enhance its national defence and air surveillance capabilities.
Muizzu made the announcement while inaugurating the Maldives National Defence Force’s (MNDF) first dedicated air station, the Gan Air Station, located in Addu City, the southernmost part of the country.
“The Maldivian army has made progress in all areas. Hopefully, the coming year will be even more progressive. We have already decided to get military aircraft for the Air Corps,” Muizzu said, as quoted by the news portal Adhadhu.
New Air Station Strengthens Defence Strategy
State-run Public Service Media (PSM News) described the commissioning of the Gan Air Station as a “landmark event”, marking the formal establishment of a key component of the Maldives’ national defence strategy.
The move, it said, significantly expands the capabilities of the newly formed MNDF Air Corps, which was officially established under a Presidential Decree on March 15, 2024.
The new air base will support airspace surveillance, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) monitoring, and airborne defence operations.
A Presidential Decree issued on November 3 set out the core mission of the Air Corps, directing it to ensure 24-hour airspace surveillance over the EEZ and maintain operational readiness for national security responsibilities.
Increased Defence Spending and Drone Capabilities
According to Adhadhu, the Maldivian government has increased military spending, though detailed allocations remain classified for “national security reasons.”
The proposed 2026 state budget allocates MVR 2.8 billion (USD 181 million) for defence — roughly four percent of the total budget.
Among the most notable defence expenditures so far is a USD 37 million (MVR 570 million) deal with Turkey to purchase six military drones, along with an additional MVR 99 million earmarked for private insurance coverage for the drones in next year’s budget.
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) service of the MNDF was inaugurated last year by President Muizzu at Maafaru International Airport, marking the beginning of the country’s aerial surveillance programme.
Enhanced Surveillance Yields Results
In a separate report, PSM News said the MNDF recently intercepted a foreign vessel operating illegally in Maldivian waters, an operation made possible by drone surveillance conducted by the Air Corps.
“This incident marks a significant demonstration of the island nation’s enhanced maritime security capabilities,” PSM News reported.
The MNDF Coast Guard’s Special Boat Squadron executed the interception following the drone’s detection, though details of the vessel and its origin were not disclosed.
Modern UAVs Transform Maldivian Defence
The MNDF’s new armored UAVs can reportedly fly continuously for up to 20 hours at speeds of 220 km/h, conduct night-time search and rescue operations, and perform real-time maritime surveillance.
Officials said the adoption of these advanced systems represents a major leap forward from earlier times, when the MNDF relied solely on marine vessels for patrolling vast stretches of ocean — often with significant logistical challenges.
“With the commissioning of the Gan Air Station, all air military operations necessary to maintain the security of Maldivian airspace have now been fully launched,” PSM News added.
