Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has revealed a total of 50 servicemen are operating two helicopters in Maldives. The Maldivian military made the statement following criticism from the opposition against Indian servicemen in Maldives.
Speaking to media, Principal Director of Coastguard Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Saleem said generally about fifty individuals, including military personnel and technical personnel, will be in a general operating team of a helicopter. In this regard, Colonel Mohamed Saleem added the helicopters in Maldives are also operated by a team of fifty persons, including military and technical personnel from both India and Maldives.
Mohamed Saleem highlighted however, the Indian military personnel in Maldives do not stay permanently, adding the force is kept in Maldives on a rotating basis. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Ali Zuhair said the surveillance of Maldivian economic zone is fully conducted jointly by neighbouring countries, highlighting the radar systems were first installed in 2003.
MNDF assured its commitment to ensure peace, stability and sovereignty of the country.