A military patrol vessel donated by the Australian Government to help safeguard the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was officially commissioned into service on Sunday evening.
The vessel, the latest addition to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) fleet, was commissioned by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Named Imaadhuddin, the vessel is a newly built platform equipped with the latest technology, according to the Ministry of Defence.
MNDF personnel completed a three-month training programme to operate the vessel before it entered service. The crew also carried out the vessel's 14-day delivery voyage from Australia to the Maldives, which marked the longest sea voyage ever undertaken by the MNDF.
President Muizzu first announced that Australia would provide the vessel under a grant assistance programme during this year's Presidential Address.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy said strengthening the operational capability of the MNDF remains one of the President's key policy priorities. He noted that President Muizzu has pledged to enhance the country's maritime defence capabilities as part of that policy.
Hilmy said the Maldives had previously acquired a military patrol vessel from Türkiye, adding that the newly built vessel donated by Australia is another major asset secured under President Muizzu's administration to further strengthen the country's defence capabilities.
He also reaffirmed the MNDF's commitment to safeguarding every part of the Maldives' maritime territory, stating that no area of the country's waters would be left unprotected.