Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, has revealed that the introduction of the Air Corps, a initiative of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has led to a significant reduction in unauthorised vessels entering Maldivian territory.
Speaking on PSM News’ Programme, Minister Ghassan emphasised that the Air Corps has ensured substantial progress in guaranteeing the security of the Maldives' maritime boundaries. He noted that this enhanced surveillance has resulted in a marked decrease in illegal maritime incursions.
The Minister stated that, in accordance with the policies set forth by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, efforts are currently underway to establish air stations in both the northern and southern regions of the Maldives. He noted that the first ever MNDF air station was established in Gan, Addu Atoll, in November last year. Operations are now being conducted from this facility daily, enabling surveillance operations across the southernmost regions of the Maldives, extending up to 200 nautical miles offshore.
The Minister further announced that the development of the air station in the north is expected to be completed within this year. This station is being established in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll.
In the Presidential Decree to inaugurate the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Air Corps, the President mandated the Maldivian military to monitor the country's airspace and Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This initiative aims to protect and uphold the Islamic faith, national independence, and the sovereignty of the island nation.
Furthermore, an order has been issued to conduct all necessary operations using aerial assets within the territory of the Maldives and to ensure the continuous, 24 hour defence and surveillance of the nation's airspace. Additionally, to effectively and sustainably fulfill the duties and responsibilities entrusted to the MNDF, this decree mandates the Maldives National Defence Force to establish and operationalise the first air station of the MNDF Air Corps.
The MNDF Air Corps was established on 15 March of 2024, by a Presidential Decree. Subsequently, on November 5, the President inaugurated Gan Air Station, the first air station of the national defence force.