Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Australia to Gift Patrol Boat to Maldives, Boosting Ties
Australia is giving a patrol boat to the Maldives!
This is a big step to help the Maldives protect its waters.
Australia will also provide special equipment to map the ocean floor, which helps with safety and economic growth.
This is part of a bigger plan to work with countries in the Indian Ocean to keep the area safe and secure.
The Australian official, Richard Marles, is also visiting India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia to talk about these partnerships.
Australia will gift a Guardian-class patrol boat to the Maldives, scheduled for completion in 2026.
The gift was announced by Richard Marles and Maldives Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.
Australia will also provide a multi-beam echo sounder to support the Maldives' maritime capabilities.
The initiatives aim to strengthen security, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
Marles is on a four-nation visit including Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia.
- Who
- Richard Marles, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Maldives Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon
- What
- Australia will gift a Guardian-class patrol boat and echo sounder to the Maldives.
- When
- Announced June 2, 2025; patrol boat completion in 2026.
- Where
- Maldives, Indian Ocean region
- Why
- To strengthen maritime security and regional cooperation.
- Announced by
- Richard Marles and Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon
- Gift
- Guardian-class patrol boat
- Additional Gift
- Multi-beam echo sounder
- Scheduled Completion
- 2026 (patrol boat)
- Purpose
- Maritime security and regional stability
- Marles' Visit Dates
- June 2 to 5
