MNDF Receives Biggest Development Under President Muizzu: CDF Hilmy

Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy has stated that the biggest development for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has occurred during the presidential term of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He made these remarks while speaking at the ceremony marking the beginning of the military's Nasr Day activities. Hilmy shared the advancements the military has achieved over the past three years. He stated that President Muizzu has undertaken numerous efforts to develop the MNDF to defend the nation's independence and maintain the country's territory since assuming office. He mentioned that drones have been acquired for maintaining the country's territory and an Air Force has been established. Work is underway to establish an MNDF air station in Addu City and an airstrip in Fonadhoo, Thaa Atoll. The Chief of Defence Force also stated that a naval vessel from Turkey and a vessel from Australia have been acquired to expand the Coast Guard fleet, and that five out of the 20 interceptor boats that were planned have been received. Additionally, work has begun on adding 12 vehicles to the ambulance fleet, and a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre has been established in Vilimalé with modern facilities to strengthen the system for rescuing vessels and persons in distress. Significant work has also been initiated to develop the Fire and Rescue Service. A fire station has been established in Maamigili, Alif Alif Atoll, and fire-fighting services have been launched in Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll. Hilmy highlighted that it is the President's vision to establish fire stations in additional atolls in the coming days and provide fire-fighting services across all atolls. Regarding enhancing capabilities, Hilmy stated that many efforts have been made to enhance the Military Services Corps and to increase training infrastructure, including developing the Composite Training Center in Maafilaafushi, Lhaviyani Atoll; the Logistics School in Kihaidhoo, Baa Atoll; and military training centers in Gaafehu, Seenu Atoll, and Kadhdhoo, Laamu Atoll. Land reclamation work is ongoing in Girifushi, tripling its land size. Hilmy also stated that the number of military personnel has been increased since the assumption of the Presidential office, and that job opportunities in the military have been provided to 806 young people so far. He added that under efforts to improve the conditions of military living centers, a contractor has been engaged to begin practical work on a 15-room building in Kaluthakulhaa Koti, and work to develop Bandeyrikoathi will soon begin.