Maldives acquires Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones

For the first time in its history, the Maldives has purchased Bayraktar TB2 combat UAVs from Turkey to enhance security and surveillance capabilities.

Here's What We Know

The new drones, manufactured by Baykar, have already been deployed at Maafaru International Airport in the Northern Maldives. Although the news was unofficially announced, local sources say that the Maldivian government plans to start using Bayraktar in the coming weeks.

The deal is estimated to be worth $37 million, with each unit and the systems required costing approximately $5 million. The drones will patrol the archipelago's 900,000-square-kilometre exclusive economic zone.

The Maldives has embarked on a programme to upgrade its army due to rising tensions with India. Recently, President Mohamed Muizzu officially requested the withdrawal of Indian troops from the archipelago. It is worth noting that the country maintains strong relations with China.

Source: The Defence Post