The Ministry of Defence has stated that it is making the necessary efforts to provide the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) with modern land, sea, and air platforms and resources to fulfill its military and civil defence role.
In a press statement, the defence ministry stated that Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the President and the Commander-in-chief, has prioritised the development of a modern army capable of facing any threat. As such, the ministry has initiated the necessary efforts to provide the latest resources and facilities to fulfill its military and civil defence role.
Additionally, the ministry stated that the defence force has the most important role in ensuring security and safety and is working towards a military capable of facing security challenges and threats. The ministry assured Maldivians that the government will continue to prioritise the interests of the citizens.
The responsibilities of the MNDF under the Constitution include protecting the territory of the Maldives, the Special Economic Zone and the citizens. It also includes defending and protecting the Maldivian State, protecting the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives, protecting and safeguarding the national interest of the country.
Furthermore, the treaties and agreements to which MNDF is a party include its responsibilities to protect and safeguard its fisheries and prevent transnational organized crime such as trafficking and maritime terrorism that may occur in its territory. In addition, the MNDF is responsible for protecting the lives and property of Maldivians in natural disasters and dangerous incidents, searching and rescuing people in distress at sea and rescuing the lives and property of citizens in dangerous incidents encountered at sea.