President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) remains steadfast in serving the country every day. President Solih made the statement in his message to military officers to mark the 129th anniversary of MNDF.
In his message, the President conveyed well wishes to Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shamaal, and all military officers on the occasion of the 129th anniversary of MNDF. The slogan of this year's anniversary of MNDF is Military Capability, National Peace.
MNDF was established in Maldives on April 21, 1892. MNDF faced their biggest challenge in 1988 when defending the country against a coup attempt supported by armed mercenaries of a Tamil secessionist group from Sri Lanka. Since then, MNDF has expanded its reach by establishing military bases across the country and improving logistical capabilities and training methods.
The administration of President Solih has made significant improvements in the past two years by providing opportunities to train in top military academies abroad as well as providing opportunities for female officers to climb the military ranks.