In a decisive statement addressing concerns about foreign military presence in the Maldives, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that foreign troops would not be stationed in the country to operate recently acquired military drones tasked with monitoring the nation's economic zone.
The President's remarks came during the "Raees ge Javaabu" series conducted by the President's Office, providing a platform for direct interaction with the public via social media. Responding to a query posed by Mohamed Ihsan regarding the deployment of foreign troops to operate the drones, President Dr. Muizzu asserted that the government harbors no policy of accommodating foreign military personnel within the Maldives.
Highlighting the indigenous capability-building efforts, President Dr. Muizzu underscored that the newly established Army Air Force would spearhead the operation of the drones, with Maldivian personnel undergoing training to manage all facets of drone operations. He noted that the army had received training in Turkey, enabling them to effectively operate the drones, with plans for additional batches to undergo similar training in the future.
The introduction of military drones on March 15 marked a significant milestone in enhancing the Maldives' defense capabilities. Situated at the N. Maafaru International Airport, the drone center serves as a strategic hub for monitoring the nation's maritime areas.
The drones, procured from Turkey, include two Bayraktar TB2 models renowned for their advanced features. Capable of operating at altitudes between 18,000 and 25,000 feet, these drones boast impressive speed capabilities and are equipped with night vision technology, facilitating round-the-clock surveillance capabilities. Additionally, their long-range transmission capabilities enable real-time data relay to headquarters from distances of up to 300 kilometers, with extended flight durations ranging from 27 to 50 hours.
The President's remarks came during the "Raees ge Javaabu" series conducted by the President's Office, providing a platform for direct interaction with the public via social media. Responding to a query posed by Mohamed Ihsan regarding the deployment of foreign troops to operate the drones, President Dr. Muizzu asserted that the government harbors no policy of accommodating foreign military personnel within the Maldives.
Highlighting the indigenous capability-building efforts, President Dr. Muizzu underscored that the newly established Army Air Force would spearhead the operation of the drones, with Maldivian personnel undergoing training to manage all facets of drone operations. He noted that the army had received training in Turkey, enabling them to effectively operate the drones, with plans for additional batches to undergo similar training in the future.
The introduction of military drones on March 15 marked a significant milestone in enhancing the Maldives' defense capabilities. Situated at the N. Maafaru International Airport, the drone center serves as a strategic hub for monitoring the nation's maritime areas.
The drones, procured from Turkey, include two Bayraktar TB2 models renowned for their advanced features. Capable of operating at altitudes between 18,000 and 25,000 feet, these drones boast impressive speed capabilities and are equipped with night vision technology, facilitating round-the-clock surveillance capabilities. Additionally, their long-range transmission capabilities enable real-time data relay to headquarters from distances of up to 300 kilometers, with extended flight durations ranging from 27 to 50 hours.
