Turkey Gifts Missile-Capable Warship to Strengthen Maldives’ Defense Capabilities

In a significant step toward deepening defense ties, Turkey has decided to gift a missile-capable warship to the Maldives Coast Guard Air Corps. The vessel, identified as a TCG Volkan (P-343) class—also known as a Dogan class ship—is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives between April and June this year.

According to Turkey Today, citing the Turkish Defense Ministry, the transfer comes under a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing military capacity, resource sharing, and training between the two countries.

The Maldives Defense Ministry has confirmed the transfer, stating that the gifted warship measures 58.1 meters in length and is powered by a 12,000-horsepower engine. The vessel is equipped to launch two missiles simultaneously and features a twin-barrel air defense gun along with two machine guns—making it a versatile addition to the Maldives’ maritime defense assets.

Before the warship reaches Maldivian shores, it will undergo refurbishment at the Istanbul Shipyard Command. It will then be transported to the Maldives by sea on a dock landing ship. A Turkish Navy team is also scheduled to visit the Maldives to assist in activating the vessel.

Training for Maldivian personnel who will operate the warship is already underway and is expected to be completed by May 9th. The full handover and operational readiness of the vessel is anticipated by July.

This development marks a milestone in Maldives–Turkey defense cooperation, boosting the maritime defense capacity of the Maldives amid a growing focus on regional security and surveillance.