Coast Guard Aviation Squadron

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 Malé'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.

Key facts

Official Name Coast Guard Aviation Squadron
Local Name Maldives National Defence Force Air Wing
Country🇲🇻 Maldives
World rank#151
Active aircrafts3 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order0

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type Active
Helicopters 2
Special missions 1

Aircrafts most used by Maldivian air forces

Aircraft Active Type
Dhruv 2
Indian utility helicopter, notable for extensive deployment in diverse Indian military and civil operations since the early 2000s.
Do 228 1
German utility-transport aircraft, mainly used for regional air services and maritime surveillance since the 1980s.

Full inventory in 2024

Maldives National Defence Force

Aircraft Type Model Active Ordered
Helicopters Dhruv ALH
Special missions Dornier 228 (MPA)