Australia Gifts Guardian-Class Patrol Boat, Hydrographic Equipment to Maldives Enhancing Indian Ocean Security

Australia has announced it will gift a Guardian-class patrol boat to the Maldives to enhance maritime security and regional stability in the Indian Ocean, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The 39.5-meter vessel, currently under construction and expected to be completed in 2026, has a 3,000 nautical mile range and can accommodate 23 personnel, enabling the Maldives to better monitor and protect its vast exclusive economic zone. Alongside the patrol boat, Australia is also donating a multi-beam echo sounder to assist the Maldives in hydrographic research and seabed mapping, aiming to improve maritime safety and unlock economic development. This initiative aligns with Australia's National Defence Strategy and its commitment to working with partners in the Northeast Indian Ocean to maintain security and stability. The Maldives' Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon highlighted the shared commitment to maritime safety, especially in search and rescue operations, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two countries. The move also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, with Australia, a Quad member, supporting the Maldives amid competing regional influences, notably from China and India.