Maldives National Defence Force
Dhivehi: ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީ ދިފާއީ ބާރު, romanized: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Qaumee Dhifaaee Baaru
Emblem of the Defence Force
Emblem of the Maldives National Defence Force
Flag of the Maldives National Defence Force
Founded21 April 1892 (1892-04-21)[1]
Service branches
  • Coast Guard
  • Marine Corps
  • Special Forces
  • Service Corps
  • Defence Intelligence Service
  • Military Police
  • Corps of Engineers
  • Special Protection Group
  • Medical Corps
  • Adjutant General's Corps
  • Coast Guard Aviation Squadron
  • Fire and Rescue Service
HeadquartersBandaara Koshi, Malé
Websitemndf.gov.mv
Leadership
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed ForcesMohamed Muizzu[2]
Minister of DefenceMohamed Ghassan Maumoon[2]
Chief of Defence ForceMajor General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef[2]
Vice Chief of Defence Force[2]
Personnel
Military age18 to 24
Reaching military
age annually		1,000
Active personnel11,000+[3]
Reserve personnel8,000
Expenditures
Budget$108.3 Million (MVR 1.670 Billion) (2023)[4]
Percent of GDP6.5%[5] (2005 est.)
Related articles
RanksMilitary ranks of Maldives

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF; Dhivehi: ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޤައުމީ ދިފާއީ ބާރު, romanized: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Qaumee Dhifaaee Baaru) is the national military responsible for defending the security and sovereignty of the Maldives. It is primarily responsible per the constitution to defend and protect the Republic, its territorial integrity, its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the people.[6] In 2021, India extended a credit line of $50 million to the Maldives for defense-related initiatives and a pact was signed to build the Uthuru Thila Falhu harbor.[7]

History

War flag of the Maldives

Origin of the Security Force

Hagubeykalun, the first known reference to the Maldivian defenders, dates back prior to the reign of Sultan Al-Gazi Mohamed Thakurufaan ( ruled 1573-1585 AD/CE ). Here the three bearers of high office designated as Maafaiy, Faamuladheyri, and Dhaharaadha were responsible for organising the security of the country.[8]

Sultan Al-Gazi Mohamed Thakurufaan reorganised the existing security force at that time and appointed a "Dhoshimeynaa Wazir" (a Minister) as the head of the security force.[8]

The origin of the current security force can be traced from the initiatives of Sultan Ibrahim Nooraddeen Iskandhar who reigned from 1888 to 1892. The Sultan was impressed by a group of young men practicing marching in step while they were at the Sultans Palace to learn a traditional form of Maldivian martial arts. The Sultan gave his blessings to their new drill and facilitated their training. The group of men thereafter began to accompany the Sultan on his ceremonial processions.[8]

During Sultan Ibrahim Nooraddeen Iskandhar's brief reign, he enlisted selected youths and taught them Hevikan (a Maldivian form of martial arts) and made them participate in royal ceremonies. On 21 April 1892, a new security force was established by a royal decree. The Sultan became the Commander-in-Chief of the security force. This new force was authorised to carry arms and the Palace afforded special privileges to them.[8]

Evolution of the Security Force

Since the establishment of a security force, it has served as a combined force except for two brief periods. A police force was formed on 29 March 1933, during the reign of Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III, but it was soon disbanded. The police force was re-established on 13 March 1972, as a branch of the security force, which was then known as National Guards, functioning under the Ministry of Public Safety.[8]

On 10 January 1979, after years of evolution and progress, the Ministry of Public Safety and the National Guards were renamed as the Ministry of Defence and National Security and the National Security Service (NSS) respectively. The police remained as an integral part of it until it was declared a civil body under Ministry of Home Affairs and renamed as the Maldives Police Service on 1 September 2004.

The National Security Service (NSS) remained a multi-functional force, directly under the command, direction and supervision of the Minister of Defence and National Security. The President was the Commander-in-Chief of the NSS, and the Minister of Defence and National Security was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief.[8]

Maldives National Defence Force

With the separation of police as a civil body, the mission and duties of the NSS had to be revised. This revision envisaged a totally different turn for the organization. Hence, to carry out the newly derived mission and tasks, the core of its structure had to be modified and redesigned. All these new implementations created more of an infantry organization and was renamed the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), on its 114th anniversary, on 21 April 2006 by the president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom.[6]

Organizational structure

Coast Guard

Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard ship Huravee, an off-shore patrol vessel.

The Maldives being a water bound nation, most of its security concerns lie at sea. Almost 90% of the country is covered by sea and the remaining 10% comprising land is scattered over an area of 415 km x 120 km, with the largest island (altogether 1192 islands) being not more than 8 km2. The geographic location and formation of the country provides ideal conditions for the smugglers to carry out their activities taking Maldives as a covert route to their destinations.[9]

Therefore, the duties assigned to the MNDF of maintaining surveillance over Maldivian waters and providing protection against foreign intruders poaching in the EEZ and territorial waters, are immense tasks from both logistical and economic view points. Hence, for carrying out these functions, it is the Coast Guard that plays a vital role. To provide timely security its patrol boats are stationed at various MNDF Regional Headquarters.[9]

The Coast Guard is also assigned to respond to the maritime distress calls and to conduct search and rescue operations in a timely manner. Maritime pollution control exercises are conducted regularly on an annual basis for familiarization and handling of such hazardous situations.[9] The Coast Guard also undertakes armed sea transport of troops and military equipment around the country.[9]

Tasks:

  • Protecting territorial waters, EEZ, and the marine environment.
  • Conducting search and rescue, and salvage operations.
  • Enforcing maritime law.
  • VIP and convoy protection.
  • Coastal surveillance.

Marine Corps

The Marine Corps (formerly known as Quick Reaction Force) are established at various strategic locations and vulnerable areas to enhance the force projection to provide their services throughout the country. The Marine Corps is composed of Marine Deployment Units (MDUs).[10]

They are deployed for the purpose of maintaining security in their key areas of responsibility and their operational conduct involves:

  • Assistance to Coast Guard in maritime operations.
  • Assistance to civil authorities at times of crisis.
  • Search and Rescue operations.
  • Providing KP guards.
  • Undertaking combat operations.
  • Conducting counterinsurgency operations.
  • Carrying out counter-terrorism operations.

The Marine Corps is often assigned on non-combat missions such as providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.[10]

Special Forces

The Special Forces (SF) are the elite combat units of the MNDF. They are trained to perform their duties in all conditions at any time, in any part of the world. Specifically their involvement comes in situations where it is impediment to regular infantry forces.[11]

SF was formally raised on 9 February 2009. Since then, SF has been organized in such a manner that they can conduct missions demanding rapid response and surgical applications. Their primary tasks involve Counter Terrorism (CT), and national intervention operations, and as essentially the SF is an intense versatile group, their missions include, but are not limited to, hostage rescue, sabotage, raids and critical intelligence gathering. They are not only confined to the role of achieving disruption by ‘hit and run’ and sabotage in the traditional conventional combat scenario, but additionally, are trained to combat terrorists, their possible infrastructure, and activities.

For that reason, the Special Forces of the MNDF are popular for their specialization in a wide variety of unique special operations skills, attained through a high level of training. The SF undergoes an intense year-long calendar cycle of scrupulous special forces training which demands stringent physical agility, psychological wellbeing and intelligence. In addition, they take part in training with other world renowned special forces units and also train them as well.[11]

The Soldiers are generally qualified in parachute jumping and specializes on marksmanship, slithering, diving and other special ops tactical skills. On the whole, a profound emphasis is placed on physical fitness and skill training so that the each member will be able to withstand the rigors of real time tactical operations.[11]

This specialised group of men forms the lethal special forces unit of the MNDF as they are highly trained and ready for any challenge facing the nation. They are armed with the most advanced and state of the art weapons and gear, and will not hesitate to use them when the situation demands it. Hence, it is the strategic asset of the MNDF which will be utilized in exceptional situations and unquestionably with the order and direction of the highest civil authority.

Service Corps

The supporting units take the role of support arms in the modern armies. They are mainly responsible to facilitate the necessary equipment and services to the whole organization.[12]

The support services are the backbone of the MNDF. From the very early days, some form of a support element existed within the framework of the MNDF. Over the years, the support services have developed to cater for the changing needs and demands of the MNDF. As part of the development of the MNDF, professionals are being trained in highly specialised fields for smoother and efficient operations in completing the missions and tasks entrusted.[12]

Communication, Electronics and Information Technology Service

Communication, Electronics and Information Technology Service (CEITS) caters all communication related needs of MNDF. This also includes the servicing and repairing of communication equipment. Along with the communication assistance it is also tasked to implement and monitor the information technology needs of the organization.[13]

Transport Service

Transport Service (TS) provides land and sea transport which are vital to the prompt and efficient mobility of the MNDF. Being a sea bound and a scattered island nation, much of the communication network depends upon proper transportation.[14]

TS cater the transport needs of the organization as a whole. Some units of MNDF do have their own independent modes of transportation, but to those unit which do not own independent transportation means and for massive load carrying TS involvement is vital.[14]

Quarter Master Service

Quarter Master Service (QMS). Issue of Q items and provision of all food and ration requirement of MNDF are the main concerns of this unit. Most of these services are provided to MNDF by contracting out to private sector. Therefore, to make the necessary contracts with concerned parties and monitoring and supervision of the service provided is a responsibility of QMS.[15]

Sub-units:

  • Catering Service
  • Uniform Section

Band and Music Wing

Band and Music Wing (BMW). From the very birth of the security force, a form of ceremonial detachment was established to accompany the Sultan in his ceremonial processions. This ceremonial band has changed from a band of drums and trumpets to a modern brass band. BMW takes part in the ceremonial parades and at all the MNDF and national level ceremonies.[16]

Other Supporting Units

  • Ordnance Service (OS)[17]
  • Media and Publishing Service (MPS)[18]
  • Supply Unit (SU)[19]
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)

Corps of Engineers

Military Engineering Service

Military Engineering Service (MES)s main function is to design and build all new buildings of the MNDF and to maintain the existing infrastructure of the MNDF. Today the able men and women of MES have the potential to do everything related to construction of buildings from its designing phase to the completion of construction.[20]

Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) deals with every matter related to the repair, maintenance, modification, production of spare parts, and electrical and mechanical equipment of MNDF. Apart from this they are also entitled for marine engineering, fibre glassing, air-conditioning, production of various metal structures and to bring required modifications to the weapons used in MNDF. They have the authority to check on any such item at any time which is entrusted to any unit of the MNDF.[21]

Special Protection Group

Special Protection Group (SPG) too undertakes all these responsibilities, but their primary mission remains to protect and safeguard the Head of State as well as visiting dignitaries.[22]

This unit was formally established soon after the 3 November 1988 incident. At first they were known as the Special Guards with a group of well-trained MNDF soldiers. As the forces tasks and mission expanded, the group was renamed Special Protection Group (SPG).[22]

Military Police

Article 43 of Act no: 1/2008 Armed Forces Act states that the Minister must establish military police from within the Armed Forces who shall be responsible for investigations into offences committed by members of the Armed Forces, the investigation of different problems arising within the Armed Forces and the taking of the necessary actions in such matters, the maintenance of security of the centers of the Armed Forces and of the activities carried out by the Armed Forces, the locating of service-men who desert their duties, and the administration of all matters related to captives captured during times of war.[23]

The existence of Military Police (MP) within the Armed Forces is highly crucial to the implementation of military discipline within the Armed Forces and to the discipline and conduct of members of the Armed Forces. It is for this reason that the Minister of Defense established the Military Police within the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) as required by the Armed Forces Act.[23]

The Military Police will implement the military laws and regulations during normal situations and during operational situations, and will also carry out ceremonial duties assigned to them.[23]

The establishment of a Military Police within the MNDF will further improve law enforcement, and will enable the members of the Armed Forces to enhance their respect for human rights and their trustworthiness in their national service.[23]

Branches: Maldives Military Police consists of 6 main branches. They are;

  • Headquarters
  • Law Enforcement
  • Investigation
  • Detention
  • Security Support
  • Ceremonial Duties

Coast Guard Aviation Squadron

Coast Guard Aviation Squadron roundel

MNDF Coast Guard Aviation Squadron is the air component of the Defence Force which is mandated to protect and safeguard the Maldivian Airspace, to monitor the illegal and suspicious activities within Maldivian waters and to conduct search, rescue and surveillance operations.[24] In addition, the Aviation Squadron carries out transferring patients to the health centres in emergency cases and transporting the Maldives' Special Forces across the country to counter various threats.[24]

Current inventory

HAL Dhruv of Maldives National Defense Force gifted by India
Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Transport
Dornier 228 Germany/India maritime patrol 1[25] donated by India[26][27]
Helicopters
HAL Dhruv India SAR / utility Mk.3 2[25] donated by India[28]

College of Defence and Security Studies

College of Defence and Securitity Studies (CDSS) is the officiating unit. Training centres are established to train MNDF personnel from basics leading up to specialized training.[29]

Furthermore, selected personnel are trained in overseas training establishments and institutions in academic, technical and other professional areas to enhance the professionalism of the MNDF. Joint training exercises are also conducted routinely with other countries.[29]

Tasks:

  • Providing institutional training.
  • Carrying out collective and individual training.
  • Conducting training exercises.
  • Co-ordinating training activities of all units

Training Centers:

  • NCO Academy
  • Officer Training Wing
  • Marine Corps Training School
  • Coast Guard Training School
  • Fire and Rescue Training School

Fire and Rescue Service

Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) shoulders the responsibilities of providing fire-fighting and rescue services to the public. Presently, a timely service is given to the inhabitants of capital island Mal'e and nearby islands.[22]

However, efforts are being made to transfer this service to the public. Already all over the country people are trained in fire fighting skills and community based civil fire fighting sub stations are established in various regions.[22]

Tasks:

  • Conducting fire emergency operations.
  • Carrying out rescue operations.
  • Providing protection to property.

Medical Corps

Medical Corps (MEDIC) is the authority responsible to provide medical assistance to men and women of the MNDF.[30]

Welfare of the MNDF personnel has always been of paramount importance from the early days of the establishment of the security force and an established Medical Clinic came into existence in 1992. The trained men and women of Medic are round the clock at the medical assistance of the service men and women of MNDF. No matter on land or sea, they are where the troops are and provide timely service.[30]

Special medical provision is made to those patients with illnesses that cannot be cured or treated in the Maldives by sending them abroad for further treatment. Furthermore, opportunities for training in the medical fields are being afforded to competent applicants as and when possible.[30]

Area Commands

  • Male' Area
  • Northern Area
  • Central Area
  • Southern Area

Non-Military Services

  • Sifainge Cooperative (SIFCO)
  • Sifainge Family Association (SIFAMA)
  • Sifainge Welfare Company
  • Maldives Military Veterans (MalVets)
  • Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC)

Maldives Military Vehicles

Recruitment

The number of recruits for each year is predetermined by the President's Office and the Ministry of Defence with the assistance of the MNDF HQ.[31]

When advertisements seeking potential recruits appear in the media, interested candidates can submit their "expression of interest" to the Ministry of Defence.[31]

The Ministry of Defence shall notify the time and place of interview for those who had expressed their interest. Those who do not qualify for the current basic entry criteria are not called for an interview.[31]

The basic entry criteria for the Maldives National Defence Force:

  • Candidates must be a citizen of the Maldives;
  • Candidates must have completed IGCSE/GCE O' Level or equivalent vocational training;
  • Candidates must have a minimum height of 5'5 feet/165 cm (if male) or 5'3 feet/160 cm (if female);
  • Candidates must be 18 years and not above 25 years of age;
  • Candidates must be in good health to perform military service;
  • Candidates should not have any criminal record in the past 5 years;
  • Candidates must not be registered in any political party.

Rank structure

The ranking system of the MNDF is based on the traditional British military system and U.S. military system. The highest flag rank ever awarded was that of lieutenant general, in a non-military capacity to the previous Defence Minister Abdul Sattar, although the president being the commander in chief also holds the rank of general in a non-military capacity.[32]

Officer corps

Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers Officer cadet
Maldivian Marine Corps[33]
ޖެނެރަލް
Jeneral		 ލެފްޓިނަންޓް ޖެނެރަލް
Leftinant jeneral		 މޭޖަރ ޖެނެރަލް
Meyjar jeneral		 ބްރިގޭޑިއަރ ޖެނެރަލް
Brigeydiar jeneral		 ކާނަލް
Kaanal		 ލެފްޓިނަންޓް ކާނަލް
Leftinant kaanal		 މޭޖަރ
Meyjar		 ކެޕްޓަން
Keptan		 ފަސްޓް ލެފްޓިނަންޓް
Fast leftinant		 ލެފްޓިނަންޓް
Leftinant

Warrant officer corps

Equivalent
NATO rank		 WO-5 WO-4 WO-3 WO-2 WO-1
Maldivian Marine Corps
Chief warrant officer Warrant officer grade 4 Warrant officer grade 3 Warrant officer grade 2 Warrant officer grade 1

Enlisted corps

Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
Maldivian Marine Corps[33]
 No insignia
ސާރޖަންޓް މޭޖަރ އޮފް އެމްއެންޑީއެފް
Saarjant meyjar of emendeeef		 ކޮމާންޑް ސާރޖަންޓް މޭޖަރ
Komaand saarjant meyjar		 ސާރޖަންޓް މޭޖަރ
Saarjant meyjar		 ފަސްޓް ސާރޖަންޓް
Fast saarjant		 ސާރޖަންޓް ފަސްޓް ކްލާސް
Saarjant fast klaas		 ސްޓާފް ސާރޖަންޓް
Staaf saarjant		 ސާރޖަންޓް
Saarjant		 ކޯޕްރަލް
Koapral		 ލާންސް ކޯޕްރަލް
Laans koapral		 ޕްރައިވެޓް
Praivet

Medals and ribbons

Medals

  • Medal of Honor
  • Presidential Medal
  • MNDF Medal
  • Distinguished Service Medal
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • Medal for Exceptional Bravery
  • Dedicated Service Medal
  • Medal of Bravery
  • Purple Heart
  • Long Service Medal
  • Gold Life Saving Medal
  • Silver Life Saving Medal
  • 3 November Medal
  • Centenary Medal
  • Saarc Summit Medal
  • Minivan 50 Medal

Ribbons

  • Presidential Ribbon
  • MNDF Ribbon
  • Long Service Ribbon
  • Ribbon of Skill
  • Dedicated Service Ribbon
  • Special Duty Ribbon
  • Achievement Ribbon
  • Marksmanship Ribbon
  • Ribbon for Bravery
  • Good Conduct Ribbon

General officers

Serving general officers

Retired general officers

Dismissed general officers

Note:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "History of MNDF". mndf.gov.mv. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Leaders". www.mndf.gov.mv. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  3. ↑ "Budget 2016". Ministry of Finance, Maldives.
  4. ↑ "Budget 2023". Ministry of Finance, Maldives.
  5. ↑ "The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2013-09-23.
  6. 1 2 "About Us". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012.
  7. ↑ Nanda, Prakash (2023-05-03). "India 'Shadowboxes' China In The Maldives; Looks To Knock Out Chinese Challenge In The Indian Ocean Nation". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "History". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Coast guard". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  10. 1 2 "Marine corps". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012.
  11. 1 2 3 "Special forces". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012.
  12. 1 2 "Service corps". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012.
  13. ↑ "CEITS". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  14. 1 2 "Transport service". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Quarter master service". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Band and Musical Wing". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Ordnance Service". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  18. ↑ "Media and publishing". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  19. ↑ "Supply unit". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 29, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Military engineering". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 29, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Electrical and Mechanical engineering". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 29, 2012.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "Major Units". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012.
  23. 1 2 3 4 "Military police". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 29, 2012.
  24. 1 2 "Air wing". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 29, 2012.
  25. 1 2 "World Air Forces 2023". Flightglobal Insight. 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  26. ↑ "MNDF puts off disclosing info on Indian donated aircraft". en.sun.mv. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  27. ↑ "India Hands Over Surveillance Aircraft to Maldives Amid Strategic Tussle with China". xairforces.com. 30 September 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  28. ↑ "India donates second naval Advanced Light Helicopter to Maldives". thehindu.com. 14 December 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  29. 1 2 "Defence institute for training and education". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 29, 2012.
  30. 1 2 3 "Medical Services". MNDF. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012.
  31. 1 2 3 "Joining MNDF". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012.
  32. ↑ "Ranks Used". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012.
  33. 1 2 "ރޭންކް ސްޓްރަކްޗަރ". mndf.gov.mv (in Divehi). Maldives National Defence Force. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  34. 1 2 "MNDF Structure | MNDF". Archived from the original on 2012-04-22. Retrieved 2014-11-14.
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