A brand‑new naval patrol vessel gifted by the Australian Government arrived in the Maldives on 15 June, completing the longest voyage in the history of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
The vessel was welcomed at the port of Hulhumale’ by a ceremonial escort of the MNDF Coast Guard and a water salute, underscoring the historic significance of the donation.
The 40‑metre vessel, built by Austal Limited at the Henderson Shipyard in Perth, was delivered under the Australian Defence Cooperation Programme. It is intended to symbolise the strong and enduring relationship between Australia and the Maldives. Prior to its arrival, MNDF Coast Guard crews completed specialised training and familiarisation trials in Australia to ensure they can operate the platform effectively.
The procurement was ordered by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in consultation with the Australian Government, reflecting his policy agenda to double the operational capacity of the Maldives Coast Guard and transform the MNDF into a force capable of fully managing Maldivian waters.
The ship is scheduled to be officially commissioned and placed into service in July. Once operational, it will significantly enhance the MNDF’s ability to patrol Maldivian waters, deter illegal activities such as smuggling and illegal fishing, and conduct search‑and‑rescue operations. The addition is also expected to elevate the Maldives’ contribution to regional security and stability.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, who inspected the vessel alongside Australian High Commissioner to Maldives David Jessup, said the donation marks a new chapter in Maldives’ maritime capabilities.
The arrival of the vessel signals a major step forward for the Maldives’ defence posture and highlights the growing defence ties between the two nations. With commissioning set for July, the MNDF is poised to markedly improve its maritime surveillance and response capabilities.