MNDF unveils new armoured vehicles at anniversary parade

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) held its anniversary parade on Saturday, featuring the introduction of new armoured vehicles to the military fleet.

The parade began at the Bandaarakoshi area and concluded near the Presidential Office. During the march, the MNDF publicly displayed its newly acquired armoured vehicles for the first time.

Speaking to state media PSM, MNDF Command Sergeant Major Abdulla Saeed stated that although the military has previously used similar vehicles on the roads, the models introduced on Saturday represent updated designs.

“These are vehicles that are designed for road use and are capable of operating on both soft and hard surfaces,” Saeed said.

He added that the new vehicles would be deployed across MNDF’s area commands and within the capital region. Saeed described their induction as a development aimed at strengthening defensive operations.

The Ministry of Defence has not yet disclosed further specifications or operational details regarding the new vehicles.

In a related development, Turkey recently announced its intention to donate a marine vessel capable of launching missiles to the Maldives.