Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has announced the Maldives will begin training its own pilots and engineers to operate unmanned aerial vehicles later this year, describing the initiative as a decisive step toward self-sufficiency in national defence. The programme marks a deliberate move away from reliance on foreign instruction and toward the cultivation of indigenous military expertise.
The decision comes after the establishment of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Air Corps in early 2024, a strategic expansion that introduced UAVs into service to patrol and secure the nation’s airspace and maritime territory. The first cadre of personnel received training in Türkiye, but the government is now shifting to a locally based model.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Ghassan confirmed that the new training will commence later this year at a dedicated facility in Addu City. The military is currently selecting candidates from within its ranks, focusing on those with a particular interest in aviation and engineering.
Gan Air Station, the country’s first air station, is already equipped with simulators designed for UAV flight instruction, providing the infrastructure needed to implement the programme without delay. While the emphasis is on building domestic capacity, Minister Ghassan noted that the Maldives may continue to draw on expertise from friendly nations to support the courses. Highlighting the importance of tailoring military doctrine to local conditions, Minister Ghassan outlined the government’s philosophy for the transition.
“Maldivian soldiers are preparing to protect the Maldivian nation. Courses designed in foreign nations are naturally tailored to their specific environments,” he said. “However, this signifies that we can acquire knowledge from abroad and adapt it to our own country. That is a primary area of focus. We will train our soldiers after tailoring the training received from abroad to suit the specific needs of the Maldives.”
At the centre of the expansion are medium-altitude, long-endurance tactical armed UAVs. These aircraft can reach speeds of 220 kilometres per hour and sustain 20 continuous hours of flight. Designed for intelligence and surveillance missions, they provide persistent coverage across the Maldives’ vast exclusive economic zone.
Officials have stated that the UAVs will be integrated into all operations aimed at protecting the independence, sovereignty, and autonomy of the Maldives. The military intends to deploy them alongside other defence resources as operational requirements dictate, ensuring comprehensive national security.
The operational impact of the Air Corps is already evident. Defence officials report that the introduction of the service has significantly enhanced maritime security, leading to a marked reduction in the number of vessels entering Maldivian waters illegally.