Government of India handed over the third radar system installed at Kadhdhoo to MNDF on 17 August 2015.
In a simple ceremony held at MNDF Central Area Headquarters, the BEL Engineers handed over the system to the MNDF Central Area Commander, Col Hamid Shafeeq in the presence of DA from the High Commission of India. Engineers from Indian Electronics firm, M/s Bharat Electronics Limited undertook the installation and operationalisation of the radar and AIS system. The radar will provide all weather 24 hour coverage of the sea area adjoining Laamu Atoll and that would be very beneficial for MNDF to track ships and fishing boats and would provide added security in the Maldives EEZ.
The fitment of the radar at Kadhdhoo completes Phase I of the Maldives Coastal Radar Project, which Govt of India had agreed to assist based on the request of GoM in 2006.The first two radars were fitted at Gan and Uligamu in 2007 and 2012 respectively. Further, fitment ofadditional seven radars and AIS stations are planned to be undertaken as part of the Phase II of the project. On completion of the project Govt of Maldives will have all round coverage of the sea areas around Maldives which will aid security in the Maldives EEZ.
Govt of India has undertaken such radar projects for other friendly foreign countries also so as to increase the overall security of the Indian Ocean region. This project will add safety and security in the maritime domain to countries in the Indian Ocean and benefit Maldives as well.