Maldivian Army Uses Unmanned Aircraft for First Time

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the drone fleet for the Maldivian Army on Friday night to provide 24-hour uninterrupted surveillance of the Maldivian sea area.

The President signed the order to inaugurate the drones during a ceremony at Maafaru International Airport. The first drone was flown in the presence of the President.

It measures six meters in length, 12 meters in wingspan, weighs about 700 kg, and has a range of up to 300 kilometers for communication services. Also, it has a payload capacity of 150 kg.

The drone is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and can fly at speeds of 70 to 120 knots for more than 27 hours. The drone is also capable of flying above 25,000 feet. The drone, capable of carrying out surgical precision strikes, will be operated by a special team of the MNDF.

President Dr. Muizzu made a presidential promise to uphold the sovereignty of the nation and carry out independent surveillance of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, which this program seeks to accomplish. This ceremony also saw the launching of an application for the safety of fishermen and tourists in Maldivian waters.