The vessel “Dharumavantha,” gifted by Turkey to the Maldives, was officially handed over to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) tonight and commissioned into service.
This is the largest vessel ever brought into the Maldivian Navy’s fleet. The vessel is named after Sultan Muhammad ibn Abdullah Sri Bavana Aadeetha Maharadun (or Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu), who established Islam as the state religion of the Maldives when the Maldivians were in the darkness of ignorance and polytheism.
At a special ceremony held tonight in the MPL area of Hulhumale, the vessel named “Dharumavantha” was presented to the Maldives by Turkish Fleet Commander Admiral Kadir Yildiz. Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy received the vessel. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon graced the occasion.
The vessel gifted by Turkey is an Edogan-class Fast Attack Craft designed by the German company Lürssen Werft and commissioned for the Turkish Navy. This vessel has played an important role in enhancing Turkey’s naval capabilities.
This was a vessel previously previously used in Turkey’s military service.
This vessel is among the first class of ships prepared with Turkey’s Navy’s Harpoon anti-ship missiles. It is a vessel integrated with weapon management systems and fire control radar, equipped with modern facilities. It is fitted with a 76mm Otomelara gun and a 35mm twin-barrel Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun.
This vessel has the capability to detect enemy vessels from long distances.
The Ministry of Defense said that as this vessel is commissioned, thanks to the Maldivians trained by Turkey, the Maldivian military now now has the capability to operate this vessel. The ministry also stated that Maldivian soldiers will repair, operate, and maintain this vessel.
