Maldives to receive Guardian-class Patrol Boat from Australia
2 JUNE 2025
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles and Maldives Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, are proud to announce Australia will gift an Australian-built Guardian-class Patrol Boat to Maldives.
This announcement is a key milestone in our bilateral relationship and a significant step towards enhancing Maldives’ capability to protect its sovereign waters and contribute to maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
The Guardian-class Patrol Boat will provide Maldives a more persistent presence in its vast exclusive economic zone to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities.
In addition to the new vessel, Australia will also gift a multi-beam echo sounder to Maldives. The hydrographic equipment will support Maldives’ capability to map its ocean floor, helping to ensure maritime safety and unlock economic development.
This initiative upholds our shared commitment to security, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
The Guardian-class Patrol Boat is under construction and due for completion in 2026.
Working closely with Maldives, Australia will develop a maintenance and sustainment package to support the vessel.
Source: Defence Press Release