President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that an additional 17 interceptor crafts used for maritime security and search and rescue operations conducted by the military will be brought into service this year.
Delivering the Presidential Address today, the President stated that in the efforts made last year to upgrade all branches of the National Defence Force, as part of the work to double the Coast Guard's services, the largest military vessel introduced to the military service so far was brought into service last year as a grant from the Turkish government.
The President stated that the work to acquire interceptor crafts needed for maritime security and search and rescue operations conducted by the military has begun, and 3 of these vessels have now been brought into service, with an additional 17 vessels to be brought into service this year. Furthermore, while the Japanese government has decided to provide financial assistance to acquire two harbour craft patrol vessels, the military vessel acquired with the assistance of the Australian government to monitor the Maldives' territory and Exclusive Economic Zone will also be brought into service this year, the President stated.
Noting that the most modern armored vehicles were acquired for the MNDF Marine Corps last year, the President stated that work to acquire equipment and establish resources needed to increase the capacity of the Marine Corps will continue this year as well.
