A missile-capable naval vessel donated by Türkiye has arrived in the Maldives, in a significant boost to the country’s defence capabilities.

The TCG Volkan (P-343), a Dogan-class fast attack craft, is currently docked in the Malé area and will be officially handed over to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) next week. The 45-year-old vessel, built by German shipyard Lürssen Werft, was the first in the Turkish Navy to carry Harpoon anti-ship missiles. It was reclassified as a test and training ship last year after undergoing repairs and upgrades.

According to the Defence Ministry, MNDF officers have received training in recent months to operate the craft. The ministry described the donation as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to strengthen national security.

The handover comes following President Dr Muizzu’s official visit to Türkiye last year, during which defence cooperation agreements were signed. Under the same agreements, Türkiye has also supplied unmanned aerial vehicles, now in operation with the MNDF.