Australia has announced it will gift a state-of-the-art Guardian-class Patrol Boat and advanced hydrographic equipment to the Republic of Maldives, reaffirming the strengthening defence and maritime cooperation between the two Indian Ocean nations.
The announcement was made following a high-level meeting in Malé on Monday between Maldives’ Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, and the visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, Richard Marles. The announcement, delivered through a joint media release, marks an important advancement in bilateral relations and reflects both countries’ commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and shared prosperity in the Northeast Indian Ocean.
The Guardian-class Patrol Boat, currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026, will significantly boost Maldives’ maritime surveillance capacity. Once deployed, the vessel will enhance the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s ability to monitor and safeguard the country’s extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessel will help deter, detect, and disrupt illegal activities at sea, including illegal fishing, smuggling, and other forms of maritime crime.
Australia’s support also extends beyond surface patrol capabilities. Alongside the patrol boat, Australia will gift a multi-beam echo sounder—an advanced hydrographic tool that will allow the Maldives to map its ocean floor with precision. This technology is crucial not only for improving maritime safety but also for unlocking marine-based economic opportunities through better resource management and navigational accuracy.
Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon welcomed the contribution, noting it aligns with the national vision to enhance the capacity of the Maldives Coast Guard. “Gifting a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to the Maldives brings us closer to the realisation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of doubling the strength of the Maldives Coast Guard,” he stated. He added that the vessel represents a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the Maldives and Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles highlighted that the donation aligns with Australia’s National Defence Strategy, which places emphasis on deepening collaboration with partners across the region. “Australia is pleased to gift a Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Maldives and will continue to seek opportunities to deepen our long-standing defence partnership,” he said. “As Indian Ocean countries, Australia and Maldives share a vision of our region that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous.”
In addition to delivering the vessel and hydrographic equipment, Australia will work closely with the Maldives to develop a comprehensive maintenance and sustainment package, ensuring the longevity and operational readiness of the patrol boat.
This initiative reflects Australia’s broader commitment to supporting regional partners in building sovereign capabilities and maintaining maritime order, while further cementing its diplomatic and strategic relationship with the Maldives.
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