President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu declared today that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will acquire military aircraft and undergo a transformation into a formidable defence force. Speaking at the inauguration of the MNDF’s Gan air station in the southern atoll, the President said this milestone marks “an important new chapter” for the security of the nation.
According to the office of the President, a decree has already authorised the establishment and operationalisation of the MNDF’s first dedicated air station under the newly formed Air Corps. That decree mandates 24-hour surveillance of the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as part of its aerial mission.
President Muizzu emphasised that the government is committed to equipping the MNDF’s air, sea and land components with modern resources. He noted that as part of this strategy, the Coast Guard fleet is set to be doubled and the Marine Corps will receive enhanced support. The President reiterated his promise to establish air stations both in the north and the south of the country—while the southern station at Gan has been inaugurated, construction of the northern station in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll is reportedly progressing rapidly.
In his address the President highlighted human development within the military, stating that a strong defence force sends the “most positive signals” to investors and underpins national stability. He announced that in addition to procurement of military aircraft, training facilities will be set up at the Gan station and two “military islands”—Girifushi and Maafilaafushi—will be developed. He also introduced a refreshed National Service programme, described as “very important for the future of the Maldivian nation.”
“By 2040 this nation will certainly be counted among the list of developed countries only if it has a strong military force in all areas,” the President declared, underscoring that the decision to acquire military aircraft is already underway and forming part of a broader “Total Defence Ecosystem.”
Observers note that the MNDF’s Air Corps was officially established through Presidential Decree No. 5/2024 on 15 March 2024. The recent move to operationalise its first air station further signals a strategic shift in Maldives’ defence posture.
With these announcements, President Muizzu frames the acceleration of defence capabilities as integral to the nation’s economic opening and long-term sovereignty. The new air station inauguration and forthcoming capability enhancements present a clear message: the Maldives is elevating its national defence infrastructure to match its ambitions for growth and stability.
