Australian-gifted patrol vessel arrives in Maldives
The vessel entered the harbour accompanied by a Coast Guard escort and was welcomed with a water salute.
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A naval vessel donated by the Australian government arrived in the Maldives on Monday and was officially welcomed by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
According to the MNDF, the vessel was provided through Australia's Defence Cooperation Program and forms part of efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Maldives Coast Guard.
The vessel was built by Austal Limited at the Henderson Shipyard in Perth, Australia, and was gifted to the Maldives as part of defence cooperation between the two countries.
After departing Perth, the vessel arrived at Hulhumalé Harbour, where it was received by Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy and the Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, David Jessup.
The vessel entered the harbour accompanied by a Coast Guard escort and was welcomed with a water salute.
According to the MNDF, the journey from Australia to the Maldives marked the longest sea voyage undertaken by the Maldivian military to date.
Before departing for the Maldives, the vessel's crew completed operational training and familiarisation exercises in Australia.
The MNDF said the vessel will contribute to maritime surveillance and patrol operations across Maldivian waters and support efforts to combat illegal activities at sea.
The defence force also stated that the vessel will strengthen search and rescue capabilities and improve operational readiness during maritime emergencies.
In addition, the MNDF said the vessel will support the Maldives' role in regional maritime security cooperation.
The welcoming ceremony at Hulhumalé Harbour was attended by senior MNDF officers, Coast Guard personnel, sailors and family members of the vessel's crew.
The arrival of the vessel comes under the government's broader plans to expand Coast Guard capabilities and increase monitoring of the Maldives' territorial waters.
