Turkey-donated vessel commissioned, handed over to MNDF

The vessel donated by the Turkish government to enhance the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has officially been handed over and commissioned to the Maldivian military on Friday night.

The ceremony for handing over and commissioning the "Dharumavantha" vessel to the Maldives National Defence Force was held on Friday night in the Maldives Ports Limited area of Hulhumalé. The ceremony was graced by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

At the ceremony for handing over and commissioning the vessel donated by Turkey to the Maldives, the vessel was presented by the Turkish Navy Fleet Commander, Admiral Kadir Yildiz.

On behalf of the Maldives, the vessel was received by the Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy. During the ceremony, a commemorative letter of gratitude was also presented to the Turkish government on behalf of the Maldives.

The name of the vessel donated by Turkey to the Maldives was unveiled by President Muizzu at the ceremony for handing over and commissioning the vessel to MNDF.

As part of commissioning the military vessel, the military conducted a special drill on the vessel.

The vessel was commissioned after being named “Dharumavantha”. The commanding officer of the vessel is Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Shinan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Navy Fleet Commander Admiral Kadir Yildiz said that in the future, military relations between the Maldives and Turkey will be strengthened further. He also stated that the military vessel symbolizes the relationship between the two countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon said that the night marked a progression in MNDF's capabilities.

The minister also said that the night further emphasized the red line drawn by President Muizzu on 17 November 2023, in defense of the Maldives' independence.

Taking the podium at the ceremony, Chief of Defence Force Ibrahim Hilmy said that this demonstrates the fulfillment of the president's promise to develop MNDF.

Hilmy also said that this is the largest vessel added to the military's Coast Guard. With this, Hilmy said that the power of the Maldivian military's naval force will increase manifold.

In addition to Hilmy, Minister Ghassan also expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish government, and their military for donating this vessel.

Turkey donated a military vessel named TCG Volkan (P-343) to the Maldives. It is a ship that was commissioned to the Turkish Navy in May 1981. As the ship reached 43 years last year, it was converted into a vessel used for testing and training purposes.

The Doğan-class vessels were designed by a German company, Lürssen Werft.

MNDF stated that the vessel will be maintained and operated by MNDF officers.