The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that it is strengthening the area commands and operational capabilities. Chief of Defence Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal made the remark in a special programme aired on Television Maldives (TVM) on the 131st anniversary of MNDF.
Speaking on the programme, Major General Shamaal said MNDF aims to increase its capabilities in order for area commands to be able to respond to situations in any part of the country within 30 minutes. He highlighted how the vast ocean territory of the Maldives poses challenges in responding to emergencies, and said that the defence force plans to expand the jurisdictions of the various area commands.
As such, Major General Shamaal said that MNDF is implementing plans to strengthen the commands to allow it to efficiently complete military operations and safeguard the lives of citizens. He noted that fire stations and sea ambulance services have been established in some islands, while military personnel is stationed at airports. He said these initiatives will allow the defence force to respond to situations even in the farthest islands within 30 minutes.
Additionally, Major General Shamaal said that the Northern Area Command headquarters will be relocated from Maafilaafushi, Lhaviyani Atoll, to Hanimaadho, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, after considering the changes to the region following the development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport. He said that a 400,000sqft land plot has been allocated for the headquarters and that construction will commence soon, as the design and budgetary work have been completed. He further said that a temporary headquarters has been set up at the Hanimaadhoo School, allowing the Northern Area Command to provide its service in the atoll while the permanent headquarters is constructed.
Furthermore, Major General Shamaal highlighted the efforts made in the past four years to strengthen and expand MNDF to all parts of the country, including the new ship that was recently brought to the Maldives to replace the largest ship in the Coast Guard, CGS Huravee. He said that the new ship will be commissioned soon after the crew completes their training. He also said that a fireboat has been added to the fleet and assured that the efforts by the government and international assistance will allow the defence force to strengthen its service.