A foreign boat which illegally entered Maldivian waters was intercepted in a surveillance operation conducted by Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF)’s Air Corps.
MNDF, on Friday, said the foreign boat was detected during a surveillance operation conducted by the Air Corps using a drone. It was subsequently intercepted by the Coast Guard’s Special Boat Squadron which took it into custody.
The authority did not disclose the vessel’s nationality or specify its activities at the time of interception.
MNDF added that the Coast Guard had seized two Sri Lankan fishing boats which were illegally operating in Maldives’ Special Economic Zone (SEZ) last Wednesday night.
The vessels were seized 137 nautical miles north of V. Fottheyomuli.
Both vessels are currently being transported to Male’, the authority added.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated MNDF Airport’s first Air Station in Addu City’s Gan on Wednesday. According to the President, efforts are underway to open a second Air Station at Sh. Funadhoo.
Bayraktar TB2 drone donated by Turkiye. (Photo/President's Office)
The MNDF Air Corps was established in March 2024 via another decree by President Muizzu, in a move that his administration said was aimed at boosting the country’s capabilities to maintain the safety and security of its maritime territories and deter illegal activities.
The launch of the MNDF Air Corps on March 15, 2024, had also seen the introduction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones procured from Turkiye.
Measuring 6.5 meters in length with 12-meter wings and weighing approximately 700 kilos, the ‘Bayraktar TB2’ drones have a communication range of up to 300 kilometers and a payload capacity of 150 kilograms.
Equipped with the most up-to-date technology, the drone can fly for 27 hours at a speed of 70 to 120 knots, and have an operational maximum altitude of 18,000 to 25,000 feet.
Capable of conducting surgical precision strikes, the drones are used by the MNDF Air Corps to assist in search and rescue operations.