Turkey strengthens Maldives’ naval capabilities with Doğan-class ship and Bayraktar drones
The Maldives has significantly enhanced its defense capabilities with support from Turkey. The Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) recently commissioned the former Turkish Navy missile ship TCG Volkan, which entered service in mid-August as CGS Dharumavantha.
In brief
The Maldives National Defence Force commissioned in mid-August the missile boat TCG Volkan, transferred by Turkey, under the name CGS Dharumavantha. The Doğan-class vessel is 58 metres long, displaces around 430 tonnes, reaches 38 knots and carries a 76 mm gun and a 35 mm artillery system. The donation of the ship was accompanied by the sale of six Bayraktar TB2 drones made by Baykar. Turkish arms exports reached 5.5 billion USD in 2023, 31 percent more than a year earlier, according to the Turkish Exporters Assembly.
TCG Volkan / fot. Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej Republiki Turcji
A ship with operational experience
The 58-meter Doğan-class vessel displaces approximately 430 tons and can reach speeds of 38 knots (around 70 km/h), providing high mobility in Maldivian waters. The ship is armed with a 76 mm main gun and a 35 mm secondary gun. Having served in the Turkish Navy from 1977 until 2024, its transfer reflects Ankara’s strategic push to expand its military presence in regions historically outside its core areas of influence.
Drones as a strategic asset
The ship transfer coincided with the sale of six Bayraktar TB2 drones, produced by the private Turkish firm Baykar. These unmanned aerial vehicles have demonstrated combat effectiveness in conflicts in Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine, making them a significant capability upgrade for the MNDF.
Geopolitical implications
The acquisition may strain Maldives–India relations. Ties between the two nations have cooled since President Mohamed Muizzu, viewed as China-leaning, took office. India has maintained a military presence on the islands for years and remains the Maldives’ largest source of tourism, a critical component of the island nation’s economy.
Turkey: emerging defense exporter
Turkey is increasingly visible in the Indian Ocean region. According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), the country’s defense exports reached $5.5 billion in 2023, up 31% from the previous year. UAVs, including the Bayraktar TB2, Akinci, and Aksungur, represent a major portion of these sales.
Through these initiatives, Turkey is asserting itself as a growing player in the global defense market, with the Maldives serving as the latest example of Ankara’s expanding influence.
Source: Gazeta Morska / PAP · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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