In the lead-up to the Maldivian presidential election, discussions about the complete removal of Indian military presence in the Maldives were intense. The indian military personales operated and maintained HAL Dhruv Helicopters and Dornier aircraft operated together with Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).
Earlier in 2024, following meetings between the High-level Core Group of the Maldives and India, a decision was made to withdraw Indian military personnel from the Maldives. However, Indian aircraft will continue to be utilized for operations. Responsibility for operating and managing these aircraft will now fall on Indian civilians.
As previously mentioned, all military personnel have left the Maldives, and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) Company pilots will take charge of operating MNDF HAL helicopters.
HAL, a renowned Indian aerospace and defense company, has a rich history of manufacturing and maintaining aircraft, including helicopters.
The Indian military’s involvement in operating Dornier and HAL helicopters has been a contentious issue, sparking heated debates.
Despite plans to train Maldivian pilots for Dornier operations, local individuals have yet to gain access to these military aircraft.
In light of the current agreements, it appears that Maldivians will not be directly involved in operating these aircraft, despite their purported status as gifts to the Maldives.
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