Drones, Missiles, Now Armored Vehicles: Is Maldives Secretly Preparing for War?

Maldives has recently purchased AJBAN 442A armored military vehicles from the United Arab Emirates. This purchase has been done confidentially. This deal came to light when armored vehicles were seen landing on Hulhule Island. This is being considered a new step in the military preparations of Maldives. Earlier, Maldives had received a missile launcher vessel as a donation from Turkey. Apart from this, Maldives had purchased Bayraktar TB2 drone from Turkey itself for $ 37 million two years ago. These military preparations of Maldives have intensified after Mohammad Muizzu became the President. India-Maldives relations have deteriorated during Muizzu's tenure.

Armoured vehicles arrive in Maldives from Sri Lanka

According to Adhadhu's report, these armored vehicles have been purchased for the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). These vehicles were first transported to Sri Lanka from the UAE and sent to the Maldives by Maldives State Shipping (MSS) on April 9. The armored vehicles were first transported to the MNDF headquarters in Hulhule and on Friday they were sent to the capital Male. A video shows five tankers crossing the Sinamale Bridge.

This vehicle has been made by UAE's EDGE Group

The Azban 442A armored vehicles were officially unveiled during the MNDF's 133rd anniversary parade in Male on Saturday. Manufactured by UAE's Edge Group, these armored vehicles are designed for tactical operations and are estimated to cost MVR 54 million. EDGE Group is a UAE-based state-owned defense group and advanced technology group. It was established in 2019 and includes more than 25 institutions that develop and produce defense equipment.

Maldives remained silent on purchase

The vehicles imported to the Maldives have been modified. This includes a remote weapon station, additional armor plating, a roof hatch and additional weapon systems. Based on an analysis of experts and EDGE Group prices, each vehicle with modifications is expected to cost US$700,000. The Maldives has imported five armored vehicles for military use. The Maldives government has not disclosed whether it received these vehicles for free or how the budget was arranged to purchase it.