President Muizzu Inaugurates MNDF Gan Air Corps Station, Expands Drone Operations

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Gan Air Corps Station, marking a strategic expansion of the country’s aerial defense infrastructure in the southern region.

It’s the first of its kind in the south and is expected to enhance MNDF’s operational reach across the archipelago, particularly in surveillance, reconnaissance. It complements the existing drone command center in Maafaru, where the Maldives first deployed its fleet of Bayraktar TB2 drones in March 2024.

During the inauguration, President Muizzu unveiled additional drones recently acquired to bolster national security.

The TB2 drones, known for their long endurance and advanced optics, have been conducting monitoring and search mission of the country’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) since their launch.

The Gan Air Corps Station will now serve as a southern base for drone operations, allowing MNDF to extend coverage and responsiveness.

The integration of drone operations between Maafaru and Gan signals a new era in the country’s defense strategy.