Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated that MNDF has no intentions of allowing a foreign military base to be established in any area of the Maldives.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamal made tee statement at a press conference held on Saturday.
Major General Shamaal revealed that neighboring India has expressed interest in funding the development of 'Uthuru Thila' to establish a dock yard under a grant aid, The project will enable MNDF's vessels to be repaired at the site, decreasing daily costs.
Noting the challenges faced due to the lack of an adequate space to dock and repair MNDF vessels, Shamaal revealed it has been seven years since the MNDF's 'Iskandar' speedboat was grounded, and three years since 'Ghaazee' launch was last in operation. Keeping the generators and engines of the vessels running due to the lack of a dock continues to incur high expenses, said Shamaal further.
Shamaal assured that neither the MNDF nor the Maldivian government has any intentions of allowing a foreign military base to be established in the Maldives. However, Maldives will always work towards increasing the capacity of the Maldivian military through cooperation with other nations,. In this regard, training programs will be conducted with other countries.
Shamaal said although Indian grant aid is utilized to develop 'Uthuruthila', the area will not become a military base of any country and and only Maldivian military personnel will be stationed at the area.
Speaking on the Dornier aircraft being gifted to the Maldives by India, Shamaal said the number of Indian military personnel who will be coming to the Maldives with the aircraft is unknown at the moment. However, Maldivian pilots will be involved in its operation, said the Chief of Defence force.
Although the helicopters gifted by India to the Maldives are speculated in different ways, the helicopters are moved from one place to another under the full control of MNDF, assured Shamaal. The Indian officers accompanying the aircraft are not military officers but technical officers, he added.
Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamal
