Australia-gifted patrol vessel arrives in Maldives

The Guardian-class patrol vessel donated to the Maldives by the Australian government has arrived in the country on Monday, completing the longest sea voyage in the history of the Maldivian military.

The vessel arrived at Hulhumalé Harbor from Perth, Australia, and was officially received by Chief of Defense Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy and Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives David Jessup.

In line with naval traditions, the vessel entered the harbor under a ceremonial escort by the MNDF Coast Guard and was welcomed with a water salute. After docking at the Coast Guard area in Hulhumalé, Major General Hilmy and High Commissioner Jessup boarded the vessel for a tour.

According to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), the vessel was acquired through the efforts of President and Commander-in-Chief Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as part of his policy to strengthen the country's defense capabilities and safeguard the Maldives’ independence and sovereignty. Expanding the operational capacity of the Coast Guard to enable comprehensive monitoring of the nation’s maritime territory remains one of the President’s key commitments.

The MNDF stated that the newly built vessel, constructed by Austal Limited at the Henderson Shipyard in Perth, stands as a symbol of the strong bilateral ties between Australia and the Maldives. The vessel was donated under Australia’s Defense Cooperation Program.

Before the vessel’s handover, MNDF Coast Guard personnel completed specialized operational training and familiarization exercises in Australia.

The vessel is scheduled to be commissioned and officially enter service in July. According to the MNDF, it is expected to substantially strengthen the Maldives’ capabilities in maritime surveillance, combating illegal activities at sea, and conducting search and rescue operations. The force added that the acquisition represents a significant advancement in the Maldives’ contribution to regional security and stability. 

The vessel’s arrival follows the donation of a military vessel by Türkiye last year. The Maldives has also recently acquired and commissioned advanced drones from Türkiye to further enhance national security and surveillance capabilities.