Male. Days after 76 Indian defense personnel left the country on the orders of Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon has admitted that his military does not have capable pilots to fly the three aircraft donated by India.
Ghassan made this comment at a press conference held at the President’s Office here on Saturday. He made this comment on the question related to the withdrawal of Indian soldiers deployed in Maldives to operate two helicopters and one Dornier aircraft and the arrival of Indian civilians in their place.
On a question from a journalist, Ghassan said that the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) does not have any Maldivian military personnel who can operate the three aircraft donated by the Indian Army. However, flying training was started to some soldiers under the agreements of previous governments.
“It was a training that required various stages to be completed, but our soldiers were not able to complete it due to various reasons,” Ghassan was quoted as saying by news portal ‘Adhadhoo.com’. Therefore, at present there is no person in our armed forces who has a license or thorough flying training to fly the two helicopters and Dornier.”
Relations between the two countries came under serious strain after Muizzu, considered a pro-China leader, insisted on sending back by May 10 all Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives. India has already recalled 76 military personnel.
A media report said that, however, the Maldives government has no intention of removing the Indian doctors posted at Senhiya Military Hospital. Adhaadhoo’s report said Ghassan’s comments were contrary to what officials had previously claimed were capable pilots in the Maldivian armed forces.
Tag: Maldives
first published : May 12, 2024, 11:44 PM IST
