President Mohamed Muizzu stated today that the Maldivian military has been neglected over the past 20-25 years, and that investments being made to strengthen this sector are not coming at the expense of other essential services. He emphasized that enhancing military capability is an absolute necessity.

What Happened: The President met with journalists for the first time in approximately one and a half years. The press conference began with a presentation on the government’s ongoing projects.

Details: During the presentation, which highlighted the government’s work in the military sector, President Muizzu stated that efforts to enhance military capabilities had been neglected for 20-25 years.

“Strengthening our defense forces is a crucial task that must be done alongside all other important matters. It is our responsibility,” said the President.

“It is the responsibility of any government to strengthen its nation’s defense forces. We are not preparing for war. We are a peaceful nation, and we want our region to remain peaceful as well. As a proud, independent nation, our defense forces must have strength and capacity.”

The President explained that the tankers acquired for the MNDF (Maldives National Defence Force) were not for warfare, noting that the previously existing tankers “weren’t even operational.”

He also mentioned that investments would be made this year and next to enhance the Fire and Rescue capabilities of the MNDF.

Additionally, the President stated that work is underway to double the capabilities of the Coast Guard.

“We are enhancing the Coast Guard’s capacity to monitor our territory. Our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is very large—by God’s grace, very few countries have such an extensive EEZ,” the President said.

He highlighted that foreign entities illegally enter the Maldivian EEZ for activities such as fishing, emphasizing the need for proper surveillance of these areas.

“How well can we protect our independence and our territory? What is the extent of our strength in monitoring our own territory? Assessing this capacity is absolutely essential,” the President stated.

The President also mentioned that the drones brought to the MNDF with UAV assistance were to strengthen the monitoring of the economic zone.

“We are enhancing military capability because we are a proud, independent nation committed to protecting and maintaining our independence,” said the President.

Notable: The Maldivian military has recently acquired armed vehicles designed for land territories, capable of operating on both soft soil and hard surfaces. The government has not disclosed the cost of these modern vehicles.

Additionally, Turkey recently announced its decision to donate a missile-equipped vessel to the Maldives.