On Monday morning, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) delivered a bold demonstration of its evolving capabilities in commemoration of Victory Day.

Amid scenarios simulating maritime infiltration and civilian hostage-taking, MNDF forces responded in rapid fashion. First, intelligence reported an imminent sea-borne attack on Maldivian shores; shortly afterwards a fishing vessel was designated as being under threat of abduction. 

Deploying a recently acquired drone, MNDF located the vessel swiftly. A missile-launching patrol ship — the Dharumavantha, donated by Turkey carried the elite Coast Guard Special Boat Squadron to the scene, where a firefight ensued and hostages were rescued. 

Back on land, armoured vehicles rolled in to conduct a building assault to free civilians held hostage. The precision and coordination of the assault was designed to minimise collateral damage and underlined MNDF’s dual-domain readiness. 

President Mohamed Muizzu observed the display alongside senior officials. The event underscored that 37 years after the November 3 attack which first sparked Victory Day commemoration, the Maldives is reinforcing its defence posture across land, sea and air. 

The demonstration served both as a symbolic tribute and a practical message: the nation’s defenders are poised for contemporary threats — maritime, aerial or terrestrial.