Australia hands over Guardian-class patrol boat to Maldives

Australia handed over a Guardian-class patrol boat to the Maldives on Sunday, in a move described by the Australian Defense Ministry as a “significant milestone” in bilateral defense engagement between Male’ and Canberra.

The ship, provided under a defense cooperation program, was handed over to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) on Sunday, in a ceremony at the HMAS Stirling base in Western Australia.

The Australian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the delivery of the ship builds on the long-standing relationship between Australia and Maldives, grounded in mutual trust and respect, and represents a significant milestone in bilateral defense engagement between the two countries.

“As island nations, Australia and Maldives both rely on sea-lanes for security and economic prosperity. This delivery demonstrates both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing maritime security across the Indian Ocean,” reads the statement.

Australia expects the new vessel to enhance Maldives’ ability to conduct maritime surveillance, deter and respond to illegal activities within its vast exclusive economic zone, conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations, and contribute to regional security and stability.

Commander of Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter stated that Australia’s delivery of the Guardian-class patrol boat to Maldives is the product of close cooperation between the Maldives and Australia, and demonstrates the trust, respect and shared purpose that underpins our defense relationship.

 “It is also a significant achievement for Australia’s shipbuilding industry and demonstrates the enduring value of Australia’s investment in regional maritime capability,” he said.

 “Australia is proud to support this important capability, and we remain committed to working alongside Maldives to uphold a peaceful, secure and resilient Indian Ocean region.”

Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant, MNDF Coast Guard, thanked Australia for the invaluable contribution towards enhancing Maldives’ maritime defense capability.

“Australia has been a reliable and consistent developmental partner, and Maldives will continue to work with Australia on areas of mutual concern,” he said.

“Maldives recognizes the significance of our location and is firmly committed to working with Australia, as well as other regional and international partners, to ensure the safety, security, stability and continued prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.”

The crew of the ship had been undergoing conversion and orientation training in Australia. According to the MNDF, the ship is planned to sail to the Maldives in late May, after completion of further training and trials.

Guardian-class patrol boats are a class of small patrol vessels designed and built in Australia, and provided to countries as part of the Australian government's Pacific Maritime Security Program.

Australia had pledged to donate one to the Maldives in June 2025, during a visit to Male’ by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles.

It marks the 24th and final Austal Ships Pty Ltd-built Guardian-class patrol boat delivered by Australia to a partner nation.