Australia strengthens Maldives maritime security with new Coast Guard patrol vessel
The Maldives has commissioned a new Australian-donated patrol vessel to strengthen maritime security, underscoring deepening defence ties between Malé and Canberra as both countries expand cooperation across the Indian Ocean.
MALE – The Maldives has formally commissioned a new Australian-donated Coast Guard patrol vessel, marking a significant step in strengthening the country's maritime security capabilities and reinforcing defence cooperation between Malé and Canberra.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), commissioned the vessel, CGS Imaduddin, during a ceremony at the Hulhumalé International Terminal. The vessel was donated by the Australian Government under its Defence Cooperation Programme following a request from the Government of the Maldives.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas, senior Australian representatives and officials from both countries.
President Muizzu formally accepted the vessel on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives before presenting a letter of appreciation to the Australian Government in recognition of its contribution. He then unveiled the vessel's name, CGS Imaduddin, and officially commissioned it into service with the MNDF Coast Guard by presenting the commissioning warrant and the National Flag to the vessel's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sinan Zahir.
The crew subsequently carried out the traditional commissioning drill, formally bringing the patrol vessel into operational service before the President and invited guests boarded the ship for a briefing on its operational capabilities.
Constructed by Australian shipbuilder Austal Limited at its Henderson shipyard in Perth, Western Australia, CGS Imaduddin has been purpose built to support a wide range of maritime security missions. Prior to its delivery, MNDF Coast Guard personnel underwent specialised training in Australia to familiarise themselves with the vessel's systems and operational procedures, allowing it to enter service immediately upon commissioning.
The addition of CGS Imaduddin significantly expands the operational reach of the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard, enhancing its ability to patrol the country's vast Exclusive Economic Zone, strengthen maritime domain awareness and respond more effectively to illegal activities at sea. The vessel will also support search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance missions and disaster response across the island nation.
For the Maldives, maritime security remains a national priority. The country comprises nearly 1,200 islands dispersed across approximately 90,000 square kilometres of ocean, making one of the world's largest maritime territories relative to its land area. Protecting sea lanes, combating illegal fishing, preventing transnational crime and maintaining effective search and rescue capabilities are essential responsibilities of the MNDF Coast Guard.
The commissioning also reflects the growing strategic relationship between Australia and the Maldives. While Australia has long supported the Maldives through development assistance, climate resilience programmes and defence cooperation, maritime security has become an increasingly important pillar of the bilateral partnership amid heightened strategic interest in the Indian Ocean.
Canberra has expanded engagement with Indian Ocean partners as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, focusing on maritime security, disaster preparedness, capacity building and regional stability. The Maldives occupies a strategically important position along major international shipping routes linking the Middle East, Africa and Asia, making maritime security cooperation increasingly significant for both countries.
For President Muizzu's administration, strengthening the operational capability of the MNDF Coast Guard has been a key defence objective. The Government has prioritised investment in maritime surveillance, modern equipment and personnel training to improve the country's ability to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and marine resources while contributing to wider regional security.
The commissioning of CGS Imaduddin is expected to enhance the Maldives' capacity to deter illegal activities at sea, improve emergency response capabilities and strengthen cooperation with regional partners on maritime safety and security.
Beyond its operational value, the vessel stands as a symbol of the enduring friendship between Australia and the Maldives and highlights the expanding defence partnership between the two nations as they work together to promote a secure, stable and rules based Indian Ocean.
