India-donated helicopters resume med evacs in Maldives

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has resumed the use of India-donated helicopters and Dornier aircraft to transport patients.

An Indian helicopter operated jointly by the Indian army and the MNDF used to airlift medical patients in Maldives. However, the service had not resumed after being suspended for the withdrawal of Indian troops.

In a message to the media on Saturday, MNDF said that the ferrying service of patients has begun with civilian crews.

"The medical evacuation service provided by the MNDF using Dornier and helicopters has now started with civilian crews," the MNDF message said.

The Dornier aircraft used in the Maldives have been donated by India to the Maldives. MNDF were trained and operations began in 2021. The pilots who had completed the course at the time worked as co-pilots on board the Dornier.

To become a captain a First Officer (co-pilot) needs to meet a number of flying hours and undergo further training.