Türkiye has agreed to donate a missile-launching ship to the Maldives as part of efforts to strengthen the island nation's maritime security, the Defense Ministry confirmed on Sunday.
According to the Ministry, Türkiye will be donating the *TCG Volkan (P-343)*, a Dogan-class missile corvette, to the Maldives. The ship, offered as a goodwill gesture, is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Maldivian military, particularly in safeguarding its maritime territory.
The announcement comes amid growing rumors on social media that the Maldives is preparing to purchase missiles at a high cost. However, the Defense Ministry did not address these claims directly in its official statement.
Instead, the Ministry emphasized that the ship donation is the result of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s diplomatic efforts with friendly nations to expand the country’s defense resources. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Muizzu has made safeguarding the Maldives’ independence and sovereignty a key national priority since assuming office, the Ministry stated.
“The donation of the vessel by the Government of Türkiye is a major step toward implementing the President’s defense policy, which aims to double the capacity of the Coast Guard and elevate the Maldives’ role in ensuring security and safety across the Indian Ocean,” the statement said.
In preparation for the ship's arrival, Maldivian forces are currently receiving training from Turkish counterparts to ensure smooth integration and operational readiness.
The Ministry said the vessel will also help reinforce the military’s constitutional duty to maintain the country’s territorial integrity and protect its people. However, no clarification was provided regarding the rumored missile procurement.
The donated vessel is expected to arrive in the Maldives in the coming weeks.
According to the Ministry, Türkiye will be donating the *TCG Volkan (P-343)*, a Dogan-class missile corvette, to the Maldives. The ship, offered as a goodwill gesture, is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Maldivian military, particularly in safeguarding its maritime territory.
The announcement comes amid growing rumors on social media that the Maldives is preparing to purchase missiles at a high cost. However, the Defense Ministry did not address these claims directly in its official statement.
Instead, the Ministry emphasized that the ship donation is the result of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s diplomatic efforts with friendly nations to expand the country’s defense resources. As the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Muizzu has made safeguarding the Maldives’ independence and sovereignty a key national priority since assuming office, the Ministry stated.
“The donation of the vessel by the Government of Türkiye is a major step toward implementing the President’s defense policy, which aims to double the capacity of the Coast Guard and elevate the Maldives’ role in ensuring security and safety across the Indian Ocean,” the statement said.
In preparation for the ship's arrival, Maldivian forces are currently receiving training from Turkish counterparts to ensure smooth integration and operational readiness.
The Ministry said the vessel will also help reinforce the military’s constitutional duty to maintain the country’s territorial integrity and protect its people. However, no clarification was provided regarding the rumored missile procurement.
The donated vessel is expected to arrive in the Maldives in the coming weeks.
