The Dornier aircrafts and helicopters gifted by the government of neighboring India, are back in use.

In a message forwarded to media outlets, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that medical evacuation of patients has been launched by the civil crew, in order to provide swift medical care, which was provided by MNDF using the Dornier aircraft and helicopters.

These include a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters donated by the government of India to the Maldives.

The government has said that the armed forces do not have the required expertise to operate the Dornier aircraft and helicopters.

The government has revealed that civilians have replaced Indian troops in the operations.

The last of the remaining Indian troops in the Maldives were withdrawn back in May 2024.

76 Indian soldiers were withdrawn on six dates during March, April and May.

By March 10, all Indian troops in southernmost Addu City were withdrawn. Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that all the Indian military personnel stationed in Addu left in different groups. Troops from one more platform were withdrawn on 10 April 2024.

Indian troops were stationed in three regions of the Maldives; 26 to operate the helicopter in Gan district of southernmost Addu City, 25 soldiers to operate the helicopter in Kadhdhoo island of Laamu atoll and 25 who were stationed in Hanimaadhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll to operate the Dornier aircraft.

Earlier, government officials had asserted that the helicopters donated by India to the Maldives would be operated by the Maldivian armed forces, however they had brought in Indian soldiers for operation.

Stressing on the need to increase resources for the defence and security of the island nation, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu earlier said that there was a need to enhance the archipelago nation’s capabilities to defend itself by land, sea, and air routes.

The government released different figures regarding the number of Indian soldiers in the Maldives, on different occasions, several times.

Most recently, the president said that the number of Indian soldiers is still not completely clear and that findings so far indicate that the figure is roughly between 77 – 89.

However, the incumbent administration back when it was the main opposition during Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s rule, claimed that there were more than 1,000 armed Indian troops stationed nationwide.