Maldives Military - 2021

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 

Military and security forces

the Republic of Maldives has no distinct army, navy, or air force but a single security unit called the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) comprised of ground forces, an air element, a coastguard, a presidential security division, and a special protection group (2020)

note: the MNDF is primarily tasked to reinforce the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the country's exclusive economic zone

Military and security service personnel strengths

the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has approximately 2,500 personnel (2019 est.)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

India has provided most of the equipment in the MNDF's inventory (2020)

Military service age and obligation

18-28 years of age for voluntary service; no conscription; 10th grade or equivalent education required; must not be a member of a political party

NOTE: The information regarding Maldives on this page is re-published from the 2021 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency and other sources. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Maldives 2021 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Maldives 2021 should be addressed to the CIA or the source cited on each page.