Days after 76 Indian defence personnel left the country on the orders of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon admitted that his military did not have capable pilots to fly the three aircraft donated by India.
Ghassan commented 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.
India Donated 3 Aircraft
To a journalist’s question, Ghassan said the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) did not have any Maldivian military personnel who could operate the three aircraft donated by the Indian Army. However, some soldiers were given flying training under agreements with previous governments. “It was a training that required various stages to be completed, but our soldiers were not able to complete it for various reasons,” Ghassan said on the Adhaadhoo.com news portal. Therefore, no person in our armed forces has a license or complete flying training to fly the two helicopters and Dornier.”
India Recalled 76 Military Personnel
Relations between the two countries came under severe 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.
However, a media report said the Maldives government has no intention of removing the Indian doctors posted at Senahiya Military Hospital. Adhaadhoo reported that Ghassan’s comments contradict previous claims by officials that the Maldivian military forces are capable pilots.
