Maldives National Defence Force


Maldives National Defence Force is the national military responsible for defending the security and sovereignty of the Maldives. It is primarily responsible per the constitution to defend and protect the Republic, its territorial integrity, its exclusive economic zone and the people. Its branches include the Maldivian Coast Guard, MNDF Marine Corps, MNDF Air Corps, and MNDF [Fire and Rescue Service].

History

has a recorded history of human habitation spanning over 25 centuries. Throughout its substantial history, the country has maintained it's status as a sovereign and independent nation; with the exception of 2 time periods — an occupation by the Portuguese Empire the 16th century and in 1887 to 1965 as a British protectorate. Despite the small size, humble population, and significant geographically strategic value, the Maldives has preserved its freedom though dexterous diplomacy and selfless sacrifice of many Maldivian heroes who fought to defend the nation.
Origins of the Maldivian military began with the campaign for the expulsion of the Portuguese forces let the by the national hero As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam who raised the first known organized military body referred to as the "Hagu beykalun". However while this did mark the birth of a structured defense force, the modern military institution was formally established by As-Sulṭaan Ibrahim Nooraddeen on 21ˢᵗ of April, 1892 by the name of "Sifain".
Over the following century the military underwent many institutional reforms. Till 1979 it was called the National Guard and under the Ministry of Public Safety. 1979 onward the forces was reformed as the National Security Service and as part of the Ministry of Defense and National Security. For several decades the police force was an integral part of NSS until the 1ˢᵗ of September, 2004 — when it was decreed to be renamed as Maldives Police Service and as a separate civil entity under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The final significant transition happened on the 21ˢᵗ of April, 2006 — the 114ᵗʰ anniversary; when it was renamed as the Maldives National Defense Force and the force structure was reorganized and modernized with the introduction of the Marine Corps, the expansion of the Coast Guard fleet, and the move towards the modern joint operational philosophy.

Force Structure

Combat and Maneuver Forces

MNDF Coast Guard

MNDF Marine Corps

MNDF Air Corps

'''MNDF Fire and Rescue Service'''

Support Services

MNDF Service Corps

MNDF Defence Intelligence Service

MNDF Medical Corps

MNDF Adjutant General's Corps

Operational and Functional Organization

Area Commands

MNDF Northern Area Command

MNDF Male' Area Command
MNDF Central Area Command
MNDF Southern Area Command

Functional Commands

MNDF Special Forces

MNDF Special Protection Service

MNDF Ordnance Service

Rank structure

The ranking system of the MNDF is based on the traditional British military system and U.S. military system. The highest flag rank ever awarded was that of lieutenant general, in a non-military capacity to the previous Defence Minister Abdul Sattar, although the president being the commander in chief also holds the rank of general in a non-military capacity.

Serving general officers

Small Arms