The Coast Guard Aviation Squadron operates 4 military aircraft in 2026 โ 2 helicopters, 2 transport aircraft. It ranks #142 of 162 air forces worldwide.
The Maldives Air Force, officially known as the Maldivian National Defence Force, Air Wing, is the aerial warfare branch of the Maldives' armed forces. Established in 1978, the air force's primary focus is on maintaining security and sovereignty over the Maldives' vast Indian Ocean territory. The force operates from Malรฉ's Gan International Airport and primarily conducts maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, and patrol missions with its small fleet of aircraft. The air force currently operates a mix of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including Dornier 228, Britten-Norman Islander, and Mil Mi-17 helicopters. These aircraft are used for surveillance, search and rescue operations, and transportation of personnel and supplies. In addition, the Maldives Air Force maintains close cooperation with regional and international partners, participating in joint military exercises and training programs to enhance its operational capabilities. The force plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation's interests and maintaining security within the Maldives' exclusive economic zone.
Compiled from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), official air force and government publications and dated press reports; the update journal below lists the sources of each pass.
Last updated on 14 March 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does Maldives have?
Coast Guard Aviation Squadron operates 4 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 0 aircraft are currently on order.
How does Maldives's air force rank globally?
Coast Guard Aviation Squadron ranks #142 out of 162 air forces worldwide based on the AIRS Index (Air Inventory Rating of Strength), which measures overall air power capability considering fleet size and combat effectiveness.
How many military helicopters does Maldives have?
Coast Guard Aviation Squadron operates 2 military helicopters, including attack, transport, and utility rotorcraft used for various combat and support missions.
What is the AIRS Index score of Maldives?
Maldives has an AIRS Index (Air Inventory Rating of Strength) score of 1.3 out of 100. This composite score weights every active airframe by category and by generation tier (strategic bombers highest, then combat aircraft, helicopters and transports), scales the combat fleet by its enablers โ tankers and airborne early warning โ and its stand-off armament, and applies a budget-based availability proxy to the whole force.
Where does Maldives get its military aircraft from?
Maldives sources its military aircraft primarily from India and Germany. The fleet composition reflects both domestic production capabilities and international defense partnerships.
