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Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Maldives Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, on Monday (June 2, 2025) announced that Australia would gift a Guardian-class patrol boat to the Maldives. The vessel is under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026.
“In addition to the new vessel, Australia will also gift a multi-beam echo sounder to Maldives. The hydrographic equipment will support Maldives’ capability to map its ocean floor, helping to ensure maritime safety and unlock economic development. This initiative upholds our shared commitment to security, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region,” said a release.
Working closely with the Maldives, Australia will develop a maintenance and sustainment package to support the vessel. “Australia is proud to partner with Maldives to support its maritime security capability…In line with our National Defence Strategy, Australia is working with partners across the Northeast Indian Ocean to maintain regional security and stability,” said Mr. Marles.
Mr. Maumoon said, “Our nations are bound by a mutual commitment to the safety and security of the seas — particularly in the vital area of search and rescue operations, where we share a common border.”
According to another statement, Mr. Marles is on a visit to South and Southeast Asia from June 2 to 5 for high-level meetings. He is expected to meet leaders and counterparts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia. “During his visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, the Deputy Prime Minister will discuss ongoing Australian support for both nations’ sovereign capability development,” it added.
The visit to India coincides with the fifth anniversary of Australia and India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. “In Indonesia, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet his counterpart to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” the release said.
Published – June 02, 2025 06:01 pm IST
