Girifushi expansion to create national hub for defence training and youth development

Dredging, land reclamation, coastal protection and harbour upgrade works for the military training island K. Girifushi were officially inaugurated on Saturday.

Defense Minister Hassan Rasheed launched the project at a ceremony held at the Girifushi Training Centre on Saturday evening.

The project is one of the key strategic objectives outlined by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to strengthen the capacity of the Maldivian military. It is among the largest initiatives under his efforts to expand MNDF training facilities and enhance the skills and readiness of the armed forces.

The first phase will add 13.3 hectares of reclaimed land to the island’s existing 5.7 hectares. MNDF said the expansion will significantly increase the space available for training activities in Girifushi.

Practical components of the project include constructing rock revetments to protect the shoreline, and developing outer canals and groynes to prevent erosion.

ކ.ގިރިފުށި ޓްރޭނިންގ ސެންޓަރުގެ ބިން ހިއްކުމާއި، ބިން ހިމާޔަތްކުރުން އަދި ބަނދަރު އަޕްގްރޭޑްކުރުމުގެ ބޮޑު މަޝްރޫޢު ރަސްމީކޮށް އިފުތިތާހުކޮށްފި.https://t.co/ffEyq0jlJz pic.twitter.com/bA1wUzYSOz

— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) June 20, 2026

An L‑block quay wall will also be built to accommodate vessels, along with two jetties measuring 40 metres and 12 metres to improve access and navigation. In addition, a 300‑metre small‑arms firing range will be developed to replace the current 100‑metre range.

MNDF said that once dredging, land protection and harbour upgrade works are completed, a modern, fully equipped training centre will be established in Girifushi in the next phases.

According to MNDF, the island will become the headquarters of the Maldivian National Service Training Centre, the President’s flagship programme aimed at shaping young people into strong, responsible citizens.

The facility will house critical training conducted by the Officer Training Wing and the NCO Academy, and will include accommodation blocks and a super‑harbour system for students and instructors.

Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Deputy Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas, and Commander of the MNDF College of Defence and Security Studies Brigadier General Dr. Hussain Ibrahim attended the ceremony.