Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that no foreign personnel are stationed at any military facility to train Maldivian military officers.
Speaking to PSM News, Marine Corps Commandant Major General Wais Waheed said there are many training centres in the Maldives but that none have foreign personnel. He explained that the officers are trained by capable Maldivian instructors in order to ensure that combat groups remain steadfast in defending the country's independence and sovereignty.
Additionally, Major General Waheed said the Maldives conduct military training exercises with foreign military forces each year following approval from the relevant diplomatic channels. As such, he said that the MNDF has held exercises with the United States (US), Australia, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Also speaking to PSM News, Coastguard Commandant Colonel Ibrahim Hilmy assured the MNDF will remain vigilant in preventing any action that undermines the country's independence and sovereignty. He highlighted the large ocean territory of the Maldives and said that the coastguard works hard to conduct its various operations. He said that the aircraft and vessels donated by other countries have greatly increased the coastguard's capabilities in responding to emergency situations such as medical evacuations and search and rescue operations. He added the aircraft and vessels are piloted by Maldivian military officers.
Further, Colonel Hilmy highlighted that India has donated military assets, including a coastguard helicopter in 2011, a navy helicopter in 2016, Dornier aircraft in 2019 and various vessels. He said that the military assets are used to transport sick patients and assist stranded vessels as well as for various humanitarian situations. He added that the operation of the aircraft and vessels is in complete control of the MNDF.