Maldives Military - 2023

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 Defense Force (MNDF) comprised of ground forces, an air element, a coast guard, a presidential security division, and a special protection group (2023)

note: the Maldives Police Service is responsible for internal security and reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs; the MNDF is responsible for counterterrorism

Military expenditures

not available

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 2,500 personnel (2022)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

India has provided most of the equipment in the MNDF's inventory (2023)

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 (2022)

Military - note

the MNDF is primarily tasked to reinforce the Maldives Police Service and ensure security in the country's exclusive economic zone (2023)

NOTE: The information regarding Maldives on this page is re-published from the 2023 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency and other sources. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Maldives 2023 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Maldives 2023 should be addressed to the CIA or the source cited on each page.