Pres: Aiming to introduce navy and air forces to MNDF in near future

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states his vision is to transform the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) into a full-fledged defense force comprising an air force, navy and army.

He made the remark while speaking at the ceremony commemorating MNDF’s 133^rd anniversary held last night.

In this regard, the President said despite MNDF’s constitutional responsibility to protect the Maldives, it lacked the necessary resources to carry out this duty effectively. He noted that Coastguard vessels were extremely worn down and barely operational, as were ground vehicles used by the army.

Henceforth, he said efforts were underway to double the capacity of the Coastguard.

“By the will of Almighty, the army will also be strengthened. I believe that it is our responsibility to strengthen capacity and increase resources. This is not something we should be ashamed of,” he said.

The President emphasized that the Maldives’ land area accounting for only one percent should not be used as an excuse to neglect the protection of the nation’s independence. He asserted that the duty to defend the country is one that must be embraced with pride, adding that the nation's economy can only be securely protected by strengthening the capabilities of the MNDF.

"These efforts are being undertaken through comprehensive policies, fully aware of our actions, and with the nation's best interests at heart. We will continue to move forward with this work," he added.

As such, he urged every Maldivian to take pride in the achievements of the armed forces and to support ongoing efforts to strengthen their operational capabilities. He emphasized that a united approach to national defense must be driven by a sincere love for the country and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding freedom for future generations.

The President firmly expressed his opposition to those who seek to undermine the progress of the military, stating that such individuals lack patriotism and act out of self-interest. He emphasized that every citizen must reject negativity directed at national defense and instead promote unity and support for the armed forces. In this spirit, he called on all Maldivians to embrace a national identity grounded in a deep love for their homeland.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the Maldives’ military capabilities, Türkiye is set to donate a naval vessel—TCG Volkan (P-343), a Doğan-class fast attack craft—under a bilateral agreement aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime defense infrastructure. The MNDF’s Air Corps was established last year after acquiring two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from Türkiye. Additionally, new armored military vehicles have recently been introduced to the army, though the move has faced public backlash.