Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has announced its pilots have been approved to fly the military Dornier aircraft for the first time.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal presented the aviation squadron badge to two pilots of the Coast Guard Aviation Squadron at a special ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Shamaal highlighted the historical importance of Maldivian military pilots receiving approval to fly the Dornier aircraft. He also extended sincere thanks to the Indian armed forces for training pilots in such useful and versatile platforms.
The two pilots approved to fly the Dornier aircraft are First Lieutenant Ibrahim Shareef and Lieutenant Ahmed Ali. The pilots said they were pleased to be able to serve the country by flying the Dornier aircraft and that MNDF is an institution that provides many such opportunities.
MNDF stated the pilots will be commencing their flying duties on the MNDF Dornier from November 9.
The Government of India agreed to train pilots of MNDF under a letter of exchange in 2019. As such, four of the five pilots trained by the Indian armed forces completed the course to fly the Dornier aircraft.
The Dornier aircraft is used by MNDF to respond to emergency situations, humanitarian relief efforts, and monitor the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). As such, the aircraft is used for search operations, transporting sick people, as well as monitoring trespassing vessels and drug smuggling operations.