Australia Donates Coast Guard Vessel to Bolster Maldives Maritime Security Capabilities

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially commissioned the Coast Guard Ship Imaduddin at the Hulhumale’ Port, marking a significant upgrade to the Maldives' maritime surveillance and enforcement capabilities. The vessel was donated by the Australian Government under the Australian Defence Cooperation Programme, symbolizing the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy emphasized that the Imaduddin will enhance the prestige and operational reach of the Maldivian military. He noted that as regional security challenges evolve, the vessel will be critical in protecting the nation's sovereignty and interests, playing a pivotal role in law enforcement and maritime safety across the archipelago's vast waters. Beyond domestic security, Major General Hilmy stated that the ship will serve as a diplomatic asset, representing the Maldives during international maritime engagements and foreign visits. The acquisition is part of a broader government strategy to modernize national security across land, sea, and air. This strategy includes the recent procurement of a modern Turkish naval vessel and the creation of a specialized boat squadron for underwater operations. To ensure operational readiness, MNDF Coast Guard personnel underwent rigorous specialized training and familiarization trials at the Henderson Shipyard in Perth, where the vessel was built by Austal Limited. The government also announced plans to deploy V-interceptor craft for coastal security before the upcoming Victory Day celebrations. The commissioning ceremony, attended by the President and Australian High Commissioner David Jessup, concluded with the traditional raising of the Maldivian national flag and the MNDF flag, alongside the placement of the commissioning pennant. This expansion of the Coast Guard's fleet is a cornerstone of President Muizzu’s efforts to scale the Maldives National Defence Force's capacity to respond to emerging threats at sea.