MNDF begins service on new bulletproof vessels

Six new Fast Interception Craft (FIC) has joined the fleet of the Coastguard under the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Five of the six vessels that joined the fleet were brought in under an agreement with the Sri Lankan company, Solas Marine Lanka Pvt. Ltd.

While five vessels were brought in under the USD 129 million agreement, another was received from Korea as a gift.

The vessels are named after the ancient royalties of the Maldives, Dhaharaa, Hakuraa, Faamadheyri, Velana, Mafaiy and Dhoshimeyna.

At the ceremony held this evening in front of the Republic Square at Izzuddeen Jetty, the vessels were inaugurated into the fleet by Commander in Chief, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ahmed Shiyam said that the vessels would be used at the four command centers in the north and south of the country.

The vessels are set to cover a 12 mile radius and the vessels in that zone before would be operating at a further 12 miles.

“Our hope is to include aerial crafts in this security circle as well. With God’s Will it would be achieved as well.” Major General Ahmed Shiyam said.