President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that the military bases in the atolls are being repaired and weapons are being acquired with foreign assistance.

Speaking at the Victory Day ceremony on Sunday night, President Muizzu said the military bases in the atolls have deteriorated due to lack of maintenance.

"The military bases across the country have been deteriorating recently due to neglect, especially in the last four or five years. We have requested assistance from friendly states. Hopefully, within the next year, all these bases will be developed with their assistance," he said.

President Muizzu also said weapons and equipment should be acquired and work has already started with some friendly countries. The state budget will also be used on arms and military equipment, he added.

At Sunday night's ceremony, President Muizzu also announced a Maldives National Service Programme to recruit teens with bad grades and no employment to the Army or Police.

He said the Maldives National Service Programme will be implemented every year starting in 2025 to increase the personnel at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS).