Australia donates new patrol vessel to Maldives, strengthening maritime defense

A brand‑new naval patrol vessel gifted by the Australian Government arrived in the Maldives on Monday, completing the longest voyage in the history of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The 40‑metre vessel, built by Austal Limited at the Henderson Shipyard in Perth, was delivered under the Australian Defence Cooperation Programme. It is intended to symbolise the strong and enduring relationship between Australia and the Maldives.

The procurement was ordered by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in consultation with the Australian Government, reflecting his policy agenda to double the operational capacity of the Maldives Coast Guard and transform the MNDF into a force capable of fully managing Maldivian waters.