The Australian government has decided to gift an Australian-built Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Maldives.
This was confirmed by a statement made by the Defence Ministry.
It said that the gift is a key milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries and a significant step towards enhancing Maldives’ capability to protect its sovereign waters and contribute to maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
It also stated that the Guardian-class Patrol Boat will provide Maldives a more persistent presence in its vast exclusive economic zone to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities.
The Ministry further said that in addition to the new vessel, Australia will also gift a multi-beam echo sounder to Maldives.
The hydrographic equipment and capacity building will support Maldives’ own capability to map its ocean floor, helping to ensure maritime safety and unlock economic development.
