The Australian Department of Defence has announced a significant step in its commitment to regional security by donating a Guardian-class patrol vessel to the Maldives. This initiative aims to enhance mutual security cooperation between the two nations and bolster the Maldives’ capability to safeguard its sovereign territories.
Canberra emphasized that this donation represents a marked advancement in the defense partnership, allowing the Maldives to better manage and protect its exclusive economic zone from illegal activities. The vessel is expected to play a crucial role in deterring, detecting, and disrupting unauthorized actions within the maritime territory.
In addition to the vessel itself, Australia will provide a sustainment package to ensure the operational effectiveness of the boat. This will include a hydrographic multi-beam echo sounder, which will aid in ocean floor mapping, thereby contributing to maritime safety and economic development for the Maldives.
The Guardian-class patrol vessels are currently under construction, with the Australian shipyard Austal leading the project. The completion target is set for 2026, and the vessel is expected to be commissioned in April of that year.
Richard Marles, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted the importance of this initiative in the context of Australia’s National Defence Strategy, stating that the collaboration with nations across the Northeast Indian Ocean is essential for maintaining regional security and stability. He expressed Australia’s eagerness to deepen its longstanding defence partnership with the Maldives, emphasizing a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
The Guardian-class patrol boat, measuring 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) in length, is designed for a range of coastal and offshore missions. It has a beam of 8 meters (26 feet) and is capable of accommodating up to 20 personnel. The vessel typically features a 20-millimeter remote weapon system and 12.7-millimeter machine guns, and is powered by two diesel engines, providing a total of around 2,100 horsepower. It can reach a maximum speed of 37 kilometers per hour (23 miles per hour) and has a substantial operational range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers).
With this forthcoming addition, the Maldives is set to become the 14th country to operate a Guardian-class vessel, aligning with Australia’s ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security in the region.
