MNDF chief credits President Muizzu for unprecedented upgrades in air, sea and ground capabilities

Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy said on Tuesday that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is carrying out the most extensive and highest-value military development program ever undertaken in the Maldives, with major investments across air, sea and ground capabilities.

Hilmy said the President is driving major efforts to defend Maldives’ independence, safeguard the nation’s territory and modernise the military. He highlighted the provision of aircraft to strengthen territorial surveillance and the establishment of the MNDF Air Corps. He noted that an air station has already been opened in Addu, while another is under development in Sh. Funadhoo.

He said further initiatives are planned to enhance air capabilities, and the President has also provided armoured vehicles to the army. Hilmy added that new ships have been procured from Turkey and Australia to reinforce Coast Guard operations.

ނަޞްރުގެ ދުވަސް ފާހަގަ ކުރުމަށް ބޭއްވި އެމް.އެން.ޑީ.އެފްގެ އަސްކަރީ ޑިސްޕްލޭގެ ތެރެއިން https://t.co/CnbsGFZWgH

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) November 3, 2026

He said significant work has also been carried out to strengthen fire and rescue services, with additional fire stations to be established across more provinces in the coming days.

Hilmy said the President is simultaneously improving the welfare of soldiers and developing all sectors of the army under a strong defence policy. “He has increased the number of army personnel since taking office and has provided employment opportunities to 806 youths so far,” he said.

He noted that the contractor has been awarded the practical work of constructing a 15-storey building at Kalhuthukalaa Barracks to improve army accommodation. The building, he said, will provide a long-awaited solution to housing challenges faced by soldiers in the Male' area.

https://t.co/LqRjLE5GlG

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) November 3, 2026

Hilmy added that development of Bandeyri Koshi One will begin soon to provide housing to as many soldiers as possible.

“I am grateful that this is the presidential term that is doing the most work and spending the most money on the development of the army. Every soldier shares the sentiment with me,” he said.

Hilmy described the President’s defence and military policy as centred on protecting Maldives’ independence and enhancing MNDF’s ability to safeguard the nation’s territory. He thanked the President for providing the necessary capabilities and investing in human resource development.

Uniforms and vehicles from various MNDF divisions were showcased during the military activities, along with displays of road and sea service vehicles and performances by the military band.