Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi has stated the world defense arena's changes are headed not in the most desired direction for nations with low resources and fragile economies.
The Minister stated this while speaking at the ceremony celebrating "Marines Day" commemorating the 13th anniversary of the MNDF Marine Corp. The Minister said that the big picture of the strategic environment today consists of hybrid warfare like cyber attacks, information campaigns, and activities that are not labeled as terrorism including pressuring governments and nations.
Mariya stated that the biggest responsibility of the army is to protect and defend the Maldivian Republic and its independence and sovereignty. She said that in carrying out this responsibility, based on the way the hierarchies of the MNDF are structured now, those who play the leading role in protecting strategic installations and critical infrastructure are the marines.
"The number of places that are classified as critical infrastructure and strategic installations are increasing. The government is working on developing international airports in the north, south, and middle regions of the country. So the soldiers should train and be ready for that," the Defence Minister said.
She further stated that modern warfare is carried out in grey zones under the concept of irregular warfare and that even if there is no visible state of war, the defence forces should always be alert, always facing various issues. And that revolutionary changes in technology and social media has paved the way for different parties to take part in such activities.
The Minister said that developing the MNDF Marine Corps as an army that can defend the Maldives in accordance with the changing global environment is very important.
Noting that the government is working to provide the soldiers with the necessary training and tools as a top priority, the Minister said that the government allocated a budget for the purchase of weapons and tools for the marines because the President personally decided on a special budget for the purpose as it was a prime concern of his.
"This is the first time in the Marine Corps 13-year history that weapons have been acquired from the government's direct budget. This is a decision made by the government for MNDF's work, based on the current strategic environment, to make the MNDF prepared," said Mariya.
At the ceremony held last night, marines and various components of the Marine Corps who were exceptional in their services were awarded.
The Minister stated this while speaking at the ceremony celebrating "Marines Day" commemorating the 13th anniversary of the MNDF Marine Corp. The Minister said that the big picture of the strategic environment today consists of hybrid warfare like cyber attacks, information campaigns, and activities that are not labeled as terrorism including pressuring governments and nations.
Mariya stated that the biggest responsibility of the army is to protect and defend the Maldivian Republic and its independence and sovereignty. She said that in carrying out this responsibility, based on the way the hierarchies of the MNDF are structured now, those who play the leading role in protecting strategic installations and critical infrastructure are the marines.
"The number of places that are classified as critical infrastructure and strategic installations are increasing. The government is working on developing international airports in the north, south, and middle regions of the country. So the soldiers should train and be ready for that," the Defence Minister said.
She further stated that modern warfare is carried out in grey zones under the concept of irregular warfare and that even if there is no visible state of war, the defence forces should always be alert, always facing various issues. And that revolutionary changes in technology and social media has paved the way for different parties to take part in such activities.
The Minister said that developing the MNDF Marine Corps as an army that can defend the Maldives in accordance with the changing global environment is very important.
Noting that the government is working to provide the soldiers with the necessary training and tools as a top priority, the Minister said that the government allocated a budget for the purchase of weapons and tools for the marines because the President personally decided on a special budget for the purpose as it was a prime concern of his.
"This is the first time in the Marine Corps 13-year history that weapons have been acquired from the government's direct budget. This is a decision made by the government for MNDF's work, based on the current strategic environment, to make the MNDF prepared," said Mariya.
At the ceremony held last night, marines and various components of the Marine Corps who were exceptional in their services were awarded.
