The Ministry of Defence has announced that the Maldives will receive a Guardian-class Patrol Boat from Australia, marking a key milestone in bilateral defence cooperation and efforts to strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean. In addition to the vessel, Australia will provide a multi-beam echo sounder to support the Maldives' hydrographic and ocean mapping capabilities. The patrol boat is expected to be delivered in 2026, with both countries working on a long-term maintenance and sustainment plan.