A vessel operating illegally in Maldivian waters has been seized.
The vessel was captured using a drone from the MNDF Air Corps. This is the first time a drone has been used to seize such a vessel.
An MNDF media official stated tonight that a foreign vessel was located during a special operation conducted jointly by the MNDF Air Corps using drones and the MNDF Coast Guard to monitor the northern region of the Maldives.
The MNDF also said that the vessel was found operating illegally in Maldivian waters using drone technology. The MNDF did not disclose which country the vessel belongs to. However, it is believed that the vessel is likely from India or Sri Lanka, based on the vessel’s characteristics being similar to those used by people from these countries.
The Coast Guard has intercepted this vessel and it is now under Coast Guard custody,” said the MNDF media official.
The MNDF continuously monitors the Maldives’ 900,000 square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone 24 hours a day. Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has also stated that a satellite-based system to monitor the Maldivian maritime area will be established in the near future.
The government has brought three drones with Turkish assistance to monitor the Maldives’ economic zone.
These are among the most advanced drone technologies in the world. They are Bayraktar TB2 model drones. These drones are manufactured with the most modern military and communication equipment.
These drones have the capability to travel for more than 27 hours at altitudes above 25,000 feet. With the ability to fly at speeds between 70 and 120 knots, these drones are also used by many countries around the world. These drones also have the capability to be equipped with laser-guided missiles.
