The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has successfully intercepted a foreign vessel operating illegally in Maldivian waters, an operation made possible through surveillance conducted by a drone from the newly established MNDF Air Corps.
This incident marks a significant demonstration of the island nation's enhanced maritime security capabilities.
The MNDF Coast Guard Special Boat Squadron executed the interception following the drone's detection, although further details regarding the foreign vessel were not immediately disclosed by the MNDF.
In a separate but related effort to curb illegal activities, the MNDF Coast Guard also seized two Sri Lankan fishing boats operating unlawfully within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on the night of 5 November, approximately 137 nautical miles off the east coast of Foththeyomuli, Vaavu Atoll.
These operations underscore the strategic importance of the MNDF Air Corps, which was officially established by Presidential Decree on 15 March 2024. Tasked with all air military operations required to maintain the security of Maldives' airspace, the Air Corps has dramatically improved the MNDF’s ability to monitor Maldivian waters 24 hours a day.
Its newly introduced armored unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) boast impressive capabilities, including the ability to fly continuously for 20 hours at speeds of 220 km per hour and conduct search and rescue operations in complete darkness.
This advanced technology represents a substantial upgrade from previous times when the army patrolled the vast Maldivian waters with considerable difficulty, relying solely on Coast Guard marine vessels.