The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has begun testing the new Bayraktar TB2 drones to patrol the sea and airspace.
Adhadhu earlier reported that the new shipment had Bayraktar Akıncı drones. But it has now been confirmed that MNDF acquired three TB2 drones.
The drones arrived in the Maldives in three separate shipments on the night of October 15 and October 17.
MNDF began assembling and testing the drones today. Some of its flights were tracked by flight radar this morning.
Characteristics of TB2 drones
- Can operate above 18,000 feet
- Can fly up to 25,000 feet
- 27 hours of continuous operation
- Automatic flight control and autopilot system
- Fully automatic landing and takeoff system
- Can operate without relying on GPS
- Communication range: 300 km
- Maximum weight: 150 kg
- Speed: 70 to 120 knots
- Fuel capacity: 300 liters (gasoline)
- Wingspan: 12 mm
The MNDF is developing a drone base at Gan International Airport in the southern Addu city.
Satellite images also show that a drone base is being developed in an area south of the runway of Gan Airport.
The government has instructed to make arrangements for the inauguration of the base during President Mohamed Muizzu's visit to Addu later this month.
The government has refused to disclose the cost of purchasing the drones.
According to credible sources, the previous drone deal was made for USD 37 million (MVR 570 million). The money was spent from the state contingency budget.
The government has not released details of the expenditure this time around, and has not released financial figures for the past month.
But on Friday night, former Ungoofaaru MP Mohamed Waheed said USD 90 million (MVR 1.8 billion) was spent on the drones this time.
