Australia will gift a Guardian-class Patrol Boat and hydrographic equipment to the Maldives to enhance maritime security and ocean mapping capabilities. This strategic move strengthens defence ties and supports stability across the Indian Ocean Region, reflecting a shared commitment to peace and economic development.
In a significant move to deepen defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Australia has announced it will gift a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Maldives. The announcement was made on Monday in Malé by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and the Maldives’ Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.
The Guardian-class Patrol Boat, currently under construction, is expected to be completed and delivered to the Maldives in 2026. This vessel is designed to boost the Maldives’ ability to protect its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and combat illegal maritime activities such as unregulated fishing, smuggling, and trafficking.
“This announcement is a key milestone in our bilateral relationship and a significant step towards enhancing Maldives’ capability to protect its sovereign waters and contribute to maritime security in the Indian Ocean,” the Australian Defence Ministry said in a statement. The boat will enable a more persistent maritime presence, increasing surveillance and operational effectiveness across the island nation’s expansive maritime territory.
In addition to the patrol boat, Australia will also provide the Maldives with a multi-beam echo sounder—an advanced hydrographic instrument used for mapping the seafloor. This technology is expected to significantly improve the Maldives’ ability to ensure maritime safety and unlock opportunities for economic development, such as marine resource management and sustainable coastal planning.
To ensure long-term operational effectiveness, Australia will also work with the Maldives to develop a dedicated maintenance and sustainment package for the new vessel. The initiative reflects Australia’s broader commitment to enhancing security, stability, and prosperity throughout the IOR.
“Australia is proud to partner with Maldives to support its maritime security capability,” said Marles. “In line with our National Defence Strategy, Australia is working with partners across the Northeast Indian Ocean to maintain regional security and stability. We will continue to seek opportunities to deepen our long-standing defence partnership with the Maldives.”
| Also Read: Shehbaz Sharif’s four-nation tour ends in Diplomatic failure |
Marles’ announcement comes during his regional tour of South and Southeast Asia from June 2–5, following his participation at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. His itinerary includes high-level meetings in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia.
His visit to India also marks the fifth anniversary of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a key framework underpinning both nations’ shared vision for a secure and prosperous Indian Ocean.
This development represents a growing trend of regional defence collaboration aimed at ensuring maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways.
