The Australian Department of Defence will donate its locally built Guardian-class patrol vessel to the Maldives, strengthening mutual security cooperation between the countries.

Canberra said that the decision to send the proven capability to its South Asian ally is a “significant step” to protect the latter’s sovereign territories and deepen its contribution to broader regional defense across the Indian Ocean.

Once commissioned, Malé’s new platform will primarily sail to “deter, detect and disrupt” illegal activities throughout the country’s exclusive economic zone.

The vessel will be delivered with a sustainment package to support the boat’s operability, as well as a hydrographic multi-beam echo sounder to assist the Maldives in mapping its ocean floor for “maritime safety and economi

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