Maldives’ military’s UAV drones launched and flown for first time

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Friday night, has launched the drones acquired for Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) to surveil the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the clock.

The drones were launched, and President Muizzu signed the order permitting the operation of operations during a ceremony held for the purpose at N. Maafaru airport.

Following Friday night’s launching, one of the drones was flown before the President.

Two  ‘Bayraktar TB2’ drones were acquired under an agreement executed with the Turkish government.

The drone measures 6.5 meters in length and has 12-meter wings. It weighs approximately 700 kilos. The drone has a communication range of up to 300 kilometers and a payload capacity of 150 kilograms.

Equipped with the most up-to-date technology, the drone can fly for 27 hours at a speed of 70 to 120 knots. It has an operational maximum altitude of 18,000 to 25,000 feet.

The drone, capable of conducting surgical precision strikes, will be operated by a special team of the MNDF.

In addition to its capability to conduct intelligence surveillance operations – the drone can also carry out attack missions. The Turkish military has successfully used the drone in its operations since 2014.

Decreasing Maldives’ dependency on foreign nations for security-related matters and basic necessities is an electoral pledge of President Muizzu.