Maldives purchasing drones, missile launcher ships, armoured vehicles and modern weapons amid tensions with India, is Muizzu …
New Delhi: Recently, the Maldives purchased AJBAN 442A armoured military vehicles from the United Arab Emirates. This purchase was made in a confidential manner. The deal came to light when the armoured vehicles were seen being unloaded at Hulhulé Island. This is considered a new step in the Maldives’ military preparations. Previously, the Maldives received a missile launcher ship from Turkey. Additionally, the Maldives bought Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey two years ago for 37 million dollars. These military preparations in the Maldives have intensified after Mohammed Muizzu assumed the presidency.
Under Muizzu’s term, relations between India and the Maldives have deteriorated.
According to a report by Adhadhu, the armoured vehicles have been purchased for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). These vehicles were first taken to Sri Lanka from the UAE and were sent to Maldives on April 9 by Maldives State Shipping (MSS). The armoured vehicles were initially taken to the MNDF headquarters in Hulhule and were sent to the capital, Male, on Friday, April 18.
A video shows five tankers crossing the Sinamale Bridge.
The Ajban 442A armoured vehicles were officially unveiled during the MNDF’s 133rd anniversary parade in Male on Saturday, April 19. These armoured vehicles, produced by the EDGE Group in the UAE, are designed for tactical operations and have an estimated cost of 54 million MVR.
EDGE Group is a government-owned defense and advanced technology group based in the UAE, established in 2019, and includes over 25 entities involved in the development and production of defense equipment.
Changes have been made to imported vehicles in Maldives. This includes a remote weapons station, additional armour plating, a roof hatch, and additional weapon systems. Based on the analysis of prices by experts and the EDGE group, the cost of each vehicle with modifications is expected to be 700,000 US dollars. Maldives has imported five armoured vehicles for military use.
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