President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), on Friday evening commissioned the Türkiye Navy ship TCG Volkan to the Maldivian military. The vessel, renamed CGS Dharumavantha in honor of the Maldives’ first Sultan, marks the largest addition to the MNDF fleet in history.

The ship was formally handed over by Turkish Navy Fleet Commander Admiral Kadir Yıldız to MNDF Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmee, who accepted it on behalf of the force.

Donated by Türkiye, CGS Dharumavantha is expected to significantly strengthen the Maldives’ maritime defence capabilities. Officials say the acquisition reinforces the country’s ability to safeguard national security and contribute to stability in the wider Indian Ocean region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmee highlighted the importance of bolstering maritime security and described the ship’s induction as a historic milestone for the MNDF.