Will Maldives Receive a Guardian-class Patrol Boat from Australia?

Male, June 2 (NationPress) - Australia is set to donate a Guardian-class Patrol Boat, which is constructed in Australia, to the Maldives. This announcement was made by the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, alongside Maldives' Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, in Male on Monday.

Along with the new patrol boat, Australia is also providing a multi-beam echo sounder to the Maldives. This hydrographic equipment will enhance the Maldives' ability to map its ocean floor, thereby ensuring maritime safety and fostering economic growth, as stated by the Australian Defence Ministry.

The construction of the Guardian-class Patrol Boat is currently underway, with completion expected by 2026.

This announcement signifies a major milestone in the bilateral relationship between Australia and the Maldives and represents a vital step towards bolstering the Maldives' ability to safeguard its territorial waters and enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The Guardian-class Patrol Boat will enable the Maldives to maintain a more persistent presence within its expansive exclusive economic zone, thus deterring, detecting, and disrupting illegal maritime activities, according to the Australian Defence Ministry's statement.

In collaboration with the Maldives, Australia plans to create a maintenance and sustainment package to support the patrol boat. This initiative is part of Australia's commitment to ensuring security, stability, and prosperity within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Australia is proud to partner with the Maldives to strengthen its maritime security capabilities. In alignment with Australia’s National Defence Strategy, efforts are being made to collaborate with partners across the Northeast Indian Ocean to uphold regional security and stability. Australia is pleased to extend the gift of the Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Maldives and will continuously seek opportunities to enhance the long-standing defence partnership. Both Australia and the Maldives share a vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

Following the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 30 to June 1, Marles is set to visit South and Southeast Asia from June 2 to June 5 for important high-level discussions.

During his trip, he will engage with leaders and counterparts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia to strengthen diplomatic and defence alliances in the Indo-Pacific.

This visit to India coincides with the fifth anniversary of Australia's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India, which serves as the foundation for their relationship and shared vision for the Indian Ocean.