Maldives establishes UAV base to operate drones purchased from Türkiye

The Maldives has recently put into operation Turkish drones acquired from Ankara to monitor its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In tandem with this development, authorities in the Maldives have initiated the construction of a dedicated "drone base" near the main international airport in Maafaru to facilitate the operation of these military drones, Caliber.Az reports, citing Sputnik India. 

Construction materials for the drone base arrived on the island last week, with Maldivian military personnel reportedly on-site overseeing the base's development. A special military team from the Maldivian National Defence Forces (MNDF) is currently in Türkiye, undergoing training on the utilization of the Turkish drones.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visited Türkiye shortly after taking office in November, marking Ankara as the first foreign destination of his presidency. During the visit, Muizzu is said to have entered into a deal with a Turkish drone manufacturer, although specific details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed.

"This will allow us to feel that we are able to supervise our own country. This will allow us to feel independent," Muizzu stated at an event last week, suggesting that drone operations have commenced. Despite this, Muizzu has affirmed his government's commitment to maintaining continuous surveillance of the Maldives' maritime borders.

The development of the drone base coincides with a March 10 deadline set by the Maldivian government for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel involved in operating three Indian aviation platforms in the nation. President Muizzu, who advocated an 'India Out' platform during his election campaign, has called for the withdrawal of approximately 80 Indian personnel engaged in the operation of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and a Dornier aircraft. Both nations have engaged in high-level meetings to find a resolution, with the recent statement suggesting a phased replacement of military personnel by the specified deadlines.