In a historic milestone for national defence, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially inaugurated the first Air Station of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Air Corps in Addu Gan, marking a decisive step towards strengthening the nation’s sovereignty and military readiness.
The facility was established under a Presidential decree issued last week, as the President exercised his constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief to commence operations at the Air Corps’ first station. The inauguration, held during the President’s visit to Addu, underscores the administration’s commitment to developing strategic defence infrastructure across the country.
According to the MNDF, the newly established station occupies a site of historical, geographical, and strategic importance in Gan. The air base includes a 400-meter taxiway, a 100-meter apron, modern technical equipment, and accommodation blocks for military personnel. Built for the MNDF Air Corps’ TV2 aircraft and Squadron 2 operations, the base has been designed with expansion potential to support future growth of the force.
The establishment of the base reflects the Maldives’ goal of self-reliant national defence. Its purpose is to protect Islam, uphold independence, safeguard the nation’s airspace and exclusive economic zone, and conduct essential air operations. This marks the first time the country has a dedicated military air base, following the formal creation of the MNDF Air Corps in March last year.
Previously, the Maldives depended on external partners for air operations. However, under President Muizzu’s leadership, efforts have accelerated to strengthen local capabilities. The government recently procured military drones, including three advanced UAVs from Turkey, to enhance surveillance and response capacity.
The President’s Office stated that the Air Station’s establishment is part of a broader vision to ensure the continuous defence and monitoring of the Maldives’ territory. The Air Corps’ operationalisation will enable the MNDF to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities with greater efficiency and independence, ensuring 24-hour national security readiness.
This development signifies a new era in Maldivian defence strategy, positioning the southernmost city of Addu as a critical hub for national and regional security operations.
