President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday officiated the oath-taking and firearms presentation ceremony for graduates of the 72nd and 73rd batches of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Basic Training Course at the K. Girifushi parade ground.

Following the administration of the oath by High Court Judge Uz Hussain Mazeed, President Dr Muizzu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the MNDF, presented firearms to the newly sworn-in soldiers.

The two training programmes were conducted from 7 March to 11 June 2026. The 72nd batch completed its training at the Addu Training Centre under the MNDF Southern Area Command, while the 73rd batch trained at Girifushi.

The Basic Training Course equips new recruits with the essential knowledge and military skills required to serve across the various branches of the MNDF. It is designed to develop disciplined, physically fit and patriotic soldiers who uphold high moral standards.

After the ceremony, President Dr Muizzu visited the Girifushi land reclamation site to inspect the progress of the ongoing development project.

The project is part of the Government's efforts to modernise the MNDF and expand its training infrastructure. It includes land reclamation, coastal protection and harbour upgrading works aimed at strengthening the operational readiness and operational capabilities of the defence force.