Maldives National Defence Force

Maldives National Defence Force
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީ ދިފާއީ ބާރު (Dhivehi)
Emblem
Flag
MottoDefending & safeguarding the Maldivian state, territory, exclusive economic zone & the people, with pride, sense of responsibility & professionalism
Founded21 April 1892; 133 years ago (1892-04-21)[1]
Service branches
HeadquartersBandaara Koshi, Malé
Websitemndf.gov.mv
Leadership
Commander-in-ChiefMohamed Muizzu
Minister of DefenceMohamed Ghassan Maumoon
Chief of Defence ForceMajor General Ibrahim Hilmy
Vice Chief of Defence ForceBrigadier General Ahmed Giyas
Personnel
Military age18–24[a]
ConscriptionNone
Active personnel9900+
Reserve personnel7800+
Deployed personnel2500+
Expenditure
Budget$183.13 million | MVR 2.82 billion (2026)[2]
Industry
Foreign suppliers India
China
Sri Lanka
Turkey
United States
Germany
Russia
France
United Kingdom
Related articles
RanksMilitary ranks of Maldives

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF; Dhivehi: ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީ ދިފާއީ ބާރު, romanized: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Qaumee Dhifaaee Baaru) is the national military responsible for defending the security and sovereignty of the Maldives. It is primarily responsible per the constitution to defend and protect the Republic, its territorial integrity, its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the people.[3] Its branches include the Maldivian Coast Guard, MNDF Marine Corps, MNDF Air Corps, and MNDF Fire and Rescue Service.

History

The Maldives has a recorded history of human habitation spanning over 25 centuries. Throughout its substantial history, the country has maintained it's status as a sovereign and independent nation; with the exception of 2 time periods — an occupation by the Portuguese Empire the 16th century and in 1887 to 1965 as a British protectorate. Despite the small size, humble population, and significant geographically strategic value, the Maldives has preserved its freedom though dexterous diplomacy and selfless sacrifice of many Maldivian heroes who fought to defend the nation.

Origins of the Maldivian military began with the campaign for the expulsion of the Portuguese forces let the by the national hero As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam who raised the first known organized military body referred to as the "Hagu beykalun". However while this did mark the birth of a structured defense force, the modern military institution was formally established by As-Sulṭaan Ibrahim Nooraddeen on 21ˢᵗ of April, 1892 by the name of "Sifain".[4]

Over the following century the military underwent many institutional reforms. Till 1979 it was called the National Guard and under the Ministry of Public Safety. 1979 onward the forces was reformed as the National Security Service (NSS) and as part of the Ministry of Defense and National Security. For several decades the police force was an integral part of NSS until the 1ˢᵗ of September, 2004 — when it was decreed to be renamed as Maldives Police Service and as a separate civil entity under the Ministry of Home Affairs.[5]

The final significant transition happened on the 21ˢᵗ of April, 2006 — the 114ᵗʰ anniversary; when it was renamed as the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the force structure was reorganized and modernized with the introduction of the Marine Corps, the expansion of the Coast Guard fleet[6], and the move towards the modern joint operational philosophy.

Force Structure

Combat and Maneuver Forces

MNDF Coast Guard

Main article: Maldivian Coast Guard

MNDF Marine Corps

Main article: MNDF Marine Corps

MNDF Air Corps

Main article: MNDF Air Corps

MNDF Fire and Rescue Service

Support Services

MNDF Service Corps

MNDF Defence Intelligence Service

MNDF Medical Corps

MNDF Adjutant General's Corps

Operational and Functional Organization

Area Commands

MNDF Northern Area Command

MNDF Male' Area Command
MNDF Central Area Command
MNDF Southern Area Command

Functional Commands

MNDF Special Forces

Main article: Special Forces (Maldives)

MNDF Special Protection Service

MNDF Ordnance Service

Rank structure

Main article: Military ranks of Maldives

The ranking system of the MNDF is based on the traditional British military system and U.S. military system. The highest flag rank ever awarded was that of lieutenant general, in a non-military capacity to the previous Defence Minister Abdul Sattar, although the president being the commander in chief also holds the rank of general in a non-military capacity.[7]

Serving general officers

Retired general officers

(Former Commandant, MNDF Service Corps)

(Former Commandant, MNDF Marine Corps)

Dismissed general officers

Equipment

Small Arms

Notes

See also

References

  1. ^ "History of MNDF". MNDF. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  2. ^ "Budget 2026". Ministry of Finance. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  3. ^ "About Us". MNDF. Archived from the original on 12 February 2012.
  4. ^ "MNDF". mndf.gov.mv. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  5. ^ "Maldives Police Service | About Maldives Police Service". Police Mv. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  6. ^ Imgur. "imgur.com". Imgur. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  7. ^ "Ranks Used". MNDF. Archived from the original on 11 February 2012.
  8. ^ "Chief of Defence Force". MNDF. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Vice Chief of Defence Force". MNDF. Retrieved 12 July 2024.

Notes

  1. ^ Voluntary service for individuals aged 18–24; no conscription; requires a 10th grade education or equivalent; political party membership is prohibited (2024)
allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_of_Maldives