A surveillance aircraft from neighboring India has entered and flown over Maldivian territory today.
The aircraft, identified as an Indian Navy P-81 Neptune with registration number IN329, departed from an Indian military base in the morning. Tracking data confirms that the aircraft flew over the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), passing east of the atolls before approaching Malé around 4:00 PM at an altitude of 21,500 feet. At its closest point, the aircraft was approximately 40 kilometers from Velana International Airport and flew over inhabited islands in Vaavu Atoll before heading northward towards Haa Alifu Atoll and later moving along the western side of the Maldives.
The P-81 Neptune is a Boeing-designed military aircraft equipped for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It is also capable of carrying and launching bombs against submarines and naval vessels.
Maldivian or Indian authorities have not yet issued a statement or commented regarding the aircraft’s entry into Maldivian airspace.