President: 17 additional military inspector vessels to be commissioned this year President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that 17 additional military inspector vessels will be brought into service within the current year.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that 17 additional interceptor vessels will be commissioned into service this year to bolster maritime security and search and rescue operations conducted by the military.

In his address at the opening of Parliament and the delivery of the Presidential Statement for this year, President Muizzu stated that significant progress has been made in ensuring national defense and safeguarding the country's sovereignty and independence. The President noted that extensive efforts were undertaken over the past year to enhance the capabilities of all branches of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). As part of the initiative to double the capacity of the Coast Guard, he highlighted that the largest military vessel ever introduced to the defense services—provided through a grant from the Turkish government—was commissioned into service last year.

The President stated that efforts to acquire inspector craft for military maritime and search and rescue operations have commenced, with three vessels already commissioned into service.

God willing, 17 additional vessels will be commissioned into service within this year. Furthermore, the Japanese government has decided to provide assistance for the acquisition of two harbor craft vessels. Similarly, a naval ship acquired with the support of the Australian government to monitor the Maldives' territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is expected to be operational this year. In addition, efforts to develop the MNDF Air Corps continued over the past year. In this regard, the first MNDF air station has been established and inaugurated in Addu City. Work is also underway to complete an air station in Sh. Funadhoo to establish a presence in the north, which, God willing, will be brought into service this year.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

The President stated that state-of-the-art armed vehicles were acquired for the MNDF Marine Corps last year. He further noted that efforts to procure necessary equipment and establish additional facilities to enhance the Marine Corps' capabilities will continue throughout this year.

The President stated that as part of the ongoing efforts to advance military education, projects have commenced to reclaim land and establish infrastructure in Girifushi, alongside further development of the MNDF center in Addu City. Furthermore, the President announced that significant infrastructure projects are scheduled to begin at Kalhuthukkala Koshi within this year.