In a major step to boost maritime security in the Indian Ocean, Australia has announced it will gift a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Maldives. The decision was revealed in a joint press release by Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Maldives Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.
Described as a “key milestone” in the bilateral relationship between the two nations, the patrol boat will enhance Maldives’ capacity to safeguard its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The vessel is expected to deter, detect, and disrupt illegal maritime activity while strengthening the country’s ability to respond to threats at sea.
In addition to the patrol boat, Australia will also provide a multi-beam echo sounder to aid in hydrographic surveying. This equipment, along with associated capacity-building support, will allow Maldives to map its ocean floor, contributing to improved maritime safety and economic development.
The Guardian-class Patrol Boat is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026. Australia will also collaborate with Maldivian authorities to create a long-term maintenance and sustainment plan for the vessel.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of both countries to ensuring stability, security, and prosperity across the Indian Ocean region.
Described as a “key milestone” in the bilateral relationship between the two nations, the patrol boat will enhance Maldives’ capacity to safeguard its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The vessel is expected to deter, detect, and disrupt illegal maritime activity while strengthening the country’s ability to respond to threats at sea.
In addition to the patrol boat, Australia will also provide a multi-beam echo sounder to aid in hydrographic surveying. This equipment, along with associated capacity-building support, will allow Maldives to map its ocean floor, contributing to improved maritime safety and economic development.
The Guardian-class Patrol Boat is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026. Australia will also collaborate with Maldivian authorities to create a long-term maintenance and sustainment plan for the vessel.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of both countries to ensuring stability, security, and prosperity across the Indian Ocean region.