Pilots of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) have begun operating the Dornier aircraft gifted by the government of India to Maldives.

An agreement to facilitate training for Maldivian pilots to operate the India-gifted Dornier aircraft, was reached during 2019 under the Exchange of Letters.

Under this agreement, training was conducted for five pilots our of which four have completed their training

Both pilots have since joined the operations team for the aircraft.

During a ceremony held on Tuesday, First Lieutenant Ibrahim Shareef and Lieutenant Ahmed Ali received their badges from Chief of Defense Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal. After this, they took the Dornier aircraft for a spin.

Further, 10 Maldivian officers have been trained in the Aeronautical Engineering Sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed to train MNDF pilots and engineers during 2019 as well.

MNDF revealed that under these trainings, seven officers are currently gaining physical experience in aircraft maintenance.

Work is currently underway to begin training for three pilots.

MNDF’s Air Wing was established on 22 August 2009 and with the assistance of the Indian government, a military helicopter was brought to the Maldives. MNDF’s Southern Area Command was established in Gan Island with the second military helicopter was brought under the MNDF Central Area Commance in Kadhdhoo island of Laamu atoll.

A Dornier aircraft was also brought to Hanimaadhoo island in Haa Dhaal atoll during 2020 as well, to be utlizied for surveillance of the sea regions and rescue operations as well as medical evacuations.

According to MNDF, a total of 363 medical evacuations were carried out between 2010 – 2021 in the Dornier aircraft. 77 operations were conducted to rescue those stranded at sea as well as saving goods and lives of people. 121 surveillance operations were also conducted, alongside drug operations.