In a recent development, Maldives Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon has disclosed the challenges faced by the country’s defense forces in operating aircraft donated by India, as reported by local media sources.
Operational Limitations Highlighted by Ghassan Maumoon
Following the departure of Indian soldiers, Minister Ghassan Maumoon admitted that Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) lacks the necessary expertise to handle the three aircraft provided by India. These remarks shed light on the current operational limitations faced by the Maldivian defense establishment.
Transition from Indian Personnel
The acknowledgment comes after Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer revealed that 76 Indian military personnel stationed in the country have been replaced by civilian personnel from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the donated helicopter.
Lack of Trained Personnel
Minister Maumoon explained during a press briefing that despite previous training initiatives, Maldivian soldiers have not attained the required proficiency to operate the aircraft effectively. He cited various reasons for the incomplete training, resulting in a shortage of licensed personnel capable of handling the AHL platforms and Dornier aircraft.
Contradictory Claims
Interestingly, previous statements from current administration officials during their opposition period contradicted Minister Maumoon’s remarks. At that time, they asserted the presence of skilled pilots within MNDF, indicating a shift in perspective since assuming office.
Historical Context
The training of Maldivian personnel was initiated during the terms of former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen, and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, under whose governments the aircraft were donated by India. These efforts aimed to enhance the country’s defense capabilities through indigenous expertise.
Agreement for Training
Minister Zameer clarified that the transition from Indian soldiers to civilian personnel also includes provisions for training local pilots, indicating ongoing efforts to address the operational challenges.
Operational Usage
The aircraft, comprising a military helicopter and Dornier aircraft, donated by India, primarily serve purposes such as medical evacuations, as outlined in official documents released by the Maldivian government.
Political Dynamics
The withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives was a central campaign promise of the Mohamed Muizzu-led government, signaling a shift in bilateral relations between Male and New Delhi since assuming office.
The disclosure by Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon underscores the importance of addressing operational deficiencies within the Maldives defense forces. It highlights the ongoing efforts to transition to local expertise while maintaining strategic partnerships with neighboring countries.
