Italian fighter jets transited at the Velana International Airport (VIA) today with the necessary permits, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has said.
Videos of fighter jets taking off emerged amid confusion after the sound of flights landing at VIA was heard louder than usual in Male' on Tuesday morning.
An MNDF media official told Adhadhu that the military aircraft landed after securing approvals.
The jets did not come for an operation with the Maldives military but landed in transit for "logistical" purposes, the official said.
Foreign aircraft are allowed to land in the Maldives with permission for refueling and other purposes. Approval must be sought in advance from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Shamman Shakir, communication manager of the Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL), said that the airport operator has always serviced foreign flights that land with approval.
But he did not reveal the service provided to the Italian jets.
Four fighter jets and two surveillance flights landed at VIA today, Adhadhu has learned. The aircraft did not stay at the airport for long.
Photos taken from VIA appear to show Lockheed Martin F35 fighter jets, which are fifth generation fighter jets manufactured in America.
