The United States government has donated advanced equipment to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to bolster its special operations capabilities.

At a ceremony held on Sunday at the Bandaara Barracks auditorium, US Ambassador Hugo Yon handed over the equipment to Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy. The donation includes combat diving gear, personnel equipment for the MNDF Special Forces and Special Operations Group, as well as other mission-specific tools.

The MNDF stated that the new equipment will enhance the force’s capacity to conduct special operations and improve national security.

Ambassador Yon highlighted the importance of deepening defence co-operation between the two nations and reaffirmed continued US support for future defence initiatives.

Major General Hilmy expressed appreciation, noting that the equipment will significantly improve the MNDF’s mobility and operational readiness.

This event was attended by senior officials from MNDF and representatives from the US Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies.

The Maldives has previously received military assistance from other partners, including heavy vehicles from India and a naval vessel from Turkey.