In a spirited address marking the 133rd anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to fortifying the nation’s military capabilities.
Speaking at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi, the President emphasized that bolstering the armed forces is a testament to national pride, not a cause for embarrassment.
“Every Maldivian who cherishes our nation should take pride in the advancements we bring to our military,” President Muizzu declared, directly addressing critics who question the government’s defense initiatives. He asserted that enhancing the military is essential for safeguarding the Maldives’ independence, sovereignty, and autonomy for future generations.
Highlighting the strides made since his tenure began, President Muizzu pointed out that the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was previously unprotected. To rectify this, the government inaugurated the MNDF Air Corps and acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey, initiating 24/7 surveillance of the EEZ. Plans are also underway to establish air bases in the northern and southern regions to further secure maritime boundaries.
Addressing the state of the Coast Guard, the President noted that many vessels were in disrepair. He announced a policy to double the Coast Guard’s capacity, a move already in progress. Similarly, the land forces are set to receive upgraded vehicles and equipment to enhance their operational readiness.
President Muizzu also expressed gratitude to international partners, particularly Turkey, for their support in augmenting the Maldives’ military capabilities. He reaffirmed that strengthening the military is a national imperative, urging citizens to view these developments as sources of pride.
“If providing our military with necessary advancements causes discomfort, one must question their sense of national pride,” he stated emphatically. “Elevating the standards of our armed forces is a duty we should all embrace with honor.”
The President’s remarks come amid a broader initiative to enhance the Maldives’ self-reliance in defense, reducing dependency on foreign military presence and ensuring the nation’s security through robust internal capabilities.
