Maldives Government About to Acquire Military Drones in Landmark Deal Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

In a strategic move that underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering maritime security, the Maldivian government has inked a pivotal agreement with a Turkish company to procure military drones, earmarking a significant $37 million (MVR 569.8 million) from the state’s contingency budget. Reports from reputable sources indicate that a portion of this fund has already been allocated to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

The agreement, reportedly formalized during the President’s official visit to Turkey, ties the Maldives government with a Turkish company renowned for supplying drones to the Turkish military. The allocated funds are expected to be disbursed in installments, with the entire transaction slated for completion within the current fiscal year.

Hints of the impending drone purchase were dropped by the President himself during a press conference following his return from China. Emphasizing the Maldives’ strategic position as a key player in the Indian Ocean, the President outlined the country’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in surveilling its Exclusive Economic Zone. He confidently stated, “Soon we will establish our own capacity to manage this vast area.”

This ambitious move appears to have been facilitated by changes in legislation earlier this year, as the President’s Office reformed the Import Duty Waiver Procedure. This revision grants the President discretionary powers to waive import duties on items intended for use by the security services, seen by many as a strategic maneuver to facilitate the acquisition of drones.

In response to media reports, the MNDF issued a statement affirming their commitment to securing and surveilling the waters surrounding the country. While not explicitly confirming the drone purchase, the statement marks a significant development as it hints the MNDF’s entry into the realm of military drone utilization.

This procurement initiative unfolds against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, specifically the Maldivian government’s insistence on the withdrawal of Indian troops. Discussions on this matter have transpired in two rounds at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscoring the evolving dynamics in the region.

As the Maldives takes its first steps into the realm of military drone capabilities, the implications of this strategic move are likely to reverberate not only within the country but also across the broader geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean.