President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has articulated a sweeping vision to modernise and expand the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), outlining plans to establish a unified military structure encompassing land, sea, and air capabilities. The initiative, announced during the 133rd anniversary of the Maldivian military, underscores his administration's commitment to national security and economic sovereignty.
In his address, President Dr Muizzu underscored the critical intersection between military strength and economic stability, contending that a fortified defence framework is essential to safeguarding the nation's independence. He noted that upon assuming office, he inherited an economy in a precarious state, necessitating parallel efforts to revitalise economic growth while strengthening military capabilities.
While acknowledging progress in bolstering the MNDF, the president cautioned that considerable work remains to achieve a fully integrated defence force. Taking cues from advanced military models, he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Maldivian armed forces attain comprehensive operational readiness across land, sea, and air domains.
"My vision is to continue this work and, in the not-too-distant future, to have an air force, a navy, and an army within the Maldivian military," he affirmed, signalling a definitive shift towards a broader defence posture.
President Dr Muizzu further addressed the Maldives' distinct geographical composition—a vast maritime expanse yet limited landmass—noting that these factors should serve as a catalyst rather than a constraint in fortifying national security. He positioned military expansion as imperative for protecting economic autonomy and preserving national sovereignty.
As part of his broader military strategy, the president also pledged extensive advancements across all defence sectors, including an expansion of training facilities and increased operational capacity to ensure preparedness for evolving security challenges.