The United States (US) and China have agreed to supply two drones to the Maldives Customs Service to monitor vessels entering the country's borders. The surveillance will be carried out in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.
Speaking at the 20th Committee on National Security Services, Commissioner General of Customs Yoosuf Maniu Mohamed announced that the drones will be used by MNDF and Customs, operating as part of a joint mission. He said that Customs currently lacks a system to monitor vessels entering the country and emphasised the need for drones to cover areas that are otherwise inaccessible without physical presence. He also said that the drones will also be utilised in cooperation with the newly established MNDF Air Corps.
Additionally, Maniu revealed that Customs will soon receive an 85-foot vessel donated by the government of Japan and two vessels from the government of China. He also noted that a further vessel will be obtained from the US.