MNDF commissions Australian-donated naval vessel
The vessel was provided under Australia's Defence Cooperation Program and was built by Austal Limited at its Henderson shipyard in Perth, Australia.
A naval vessel gifted by the Australian Government has been commissioned into service with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu commissioned the vessel and unveiled its name, Imaaduddin, during a ceremony held on Monday evening at the Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Hulhumalé Port.
Following the commissioning, the President toured the vessel and signed the guest book.
The vessel was provided under Australia's Defence Cooperation Program and was built by Austal Limited at its Henderson shipyard in Perth, Australia.
The MNDF has previously said the vessel was acquired through cooperation with the Australian Government as part of the President's commitment to increase the operational capacity of the Coast Guard and strengthen the country's ability to safeguard its maritime territory.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy said one of President Muizzu's key policies is to develop the MNDF's capacity to defend the country's independence across its maritime, air and land domains.
Hilmy said the government has announced several measures aimed at modernising the armed forces, including plans to strengthen the Coast Guard.
Before the vessel arrived in the Maldives, MNDF Coast Guard personnel completed a three-month training and familiarisation programme in Australia on the operation of the ship.
According to the MNDF, the vessel will strengthen the Coast Guard's ability to monitor and protect the country's maritime territory, respond to illegal activities at sea and conduct search and rescue operations.
The MNDF said the vessel will also support the Maldives' contribution to regional maritime security and stability.
