The national defence force of a country is the foremost shield protecting it. It is the defence force that bears the greatest responsibility in maintaining the independence and sovereignty of any country.
In the Maldives, one of the key policies of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is bolstering national security such that the country’s autonomy can be ensured without reliance on foreign entities. One of the most important steps taken towards this policy has been the repatriation of Indian troops that had been stationed in the Maldives for several years. This was achieved by the current government through the noble principles of democracy and a strong foreign policy.
One of the key changes brought to increase the capacity of the defence force incudes the establishment of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) AirCorp by President and Chief of Defence Force Dr Muizzu on 15 March 2024. This unit has commenced the 24-hour surveillance of the Maldives’ airspace using unmanned aerial vehicles for the first time. These vehicles are now utilised in all operations conducted by the MNDF aimed at safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives.
Last year, MNDF established an Air Force to enhance air defence, and later in November, the army’s Special Boat Squadron was established. This is a new MNDF unit created especially for major maritime operations.
The MNDF has also developed a comprehensive concept that can protect the entirety of the Maldivian territory under efforts to create an air defence system. Additionally, several efforts were undertaken to provide services at a national level.
The government is working to increase the capacity of the MNDF’s Coast Guard for maritime surveillance. The Defence Ministry has worked on developing the National Maritime Security Strategyy as well as the National Defence Strategy as part of the efforts.
Other areas where MNDF is also setting examples includes ensuring the safety and protection of the people. Last year, MNDF worked hard at receding flood waters resulting from heavy showers, specially in Male’ City.
Notably, the government terminated agreements with India to chart Maldives’ waters. The army is currently in the process of procuring the equipment needed to conduct its own hydrographic surveys. The Defence Ministry is actively working to make Maldives a member state of the International Hydrographic Organisation.
Additionally, important efforts related to aviation security have also been undertaken. This includes the establishment of a robust system for data collection and analysis. The National Civil Aviation Security Training Policy and the National Civil Aviation Security Quality Control programmes have been reviewed and revised to align with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s relevant annexes.
The past year has been a successful year in fulfilling the presidential pledge of safeguarding the independence of the Maldives. The most important objective of the government is to maintain the country’s independence and sovereignty without dependency on any third parties.