Coast Guard Aviation Squadron

Key facts

Official Name Coast Guard Aviation Squadron
Local Name Maldives National Defence Force Air Wing
Country๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ป Maldives
World rank#147
Active aircraft4 as of 2026
Aircraft on order0

Global Air Force Index

1.3
Global Rank: #147 / 161
The Global Air Force Index measures Coast Guard Aviation Squadron's overall air power capability on a 0-100 scale, based on fleet composition and combat effectiveness.
๐Ÿ’ฅ Strategic Bombers 0 Nuclear-capable strike aircraft (highest weight)
โœˆ๏ธ Combat Aircraft 0 Fighters, multirole & attack aircraft
๐Ÿš Helicopters 2 Attack, transport & utility rotorcraft
๐Ÿ›ซ Transport 2 Strategic & tactical airlift
๐Ÿ“Š Total Active 4 All aircraft types

Methodology: Square root scaled index weighted by aircraft combat capability. Strategic bombers score highest due to nuclear strike capability.

Aircraft by type in 2026

Aircraft type Active
Helicopter Helicopter 2
Transport Transport 2

Origin countries of aircraft

Country Active Aircraft
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India 2
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany 2

Evolution of Maldivian Air Force fleet

Overview

The Maldives Air Force, officially known as the Maldivian National Defence Force, Air Wing, is the aerial warfare branch of the Maldives' armed forces. Established in 1978, the air force's primary focus is on maintaining security and sovereignty over the Maldives' vast Indian Ocean territory. The force operates from Malรฉ's Gan International Airport and primarily conducts maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, and patrol missions with its small fleet of aircraft. The air force currently operates a mix of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including Dornier 228, Britten-Norman Islander, and Mil Mi-17 helicopters. These aircraft are used for surveillance, search and rescue operations, and transportation of personnel and supplies. In addition, the Maldives Air Force maintains close cooperation with regional and international partners, participating in joint military exercises and training programs to enhance its operational capabilities. The force plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation's interests and maintaining security within the Maldives' exclusive economic zone.

Full inventory in 2026

Maldives National Defence Force

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft does Maldives have?
Coast Guard Aviation Squadron operates 4 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 0 aircraft are currently on order.
How does Maldives's air force rank globally?
Coast Guard Aviation Squadron ranks #147 out of 161 air forces worldwide based on the Global Air Force Index, which measures overall air power capability considering fleet size and combat effectiveness.
How many military helicopters does Maldives have?
Coast Guard Aviation Squadron operates 2 military helicopters, including attack, transport, and utility rotorcraft used for various combat and support missions.
What is the Air Force Index of Maldives?
Maldives has an Air Force Index score of 1.3 out of 100. This composite score measures overall air power capability, with strategic bombers weighted highest due to their nuclear strike potential, followed by combat aircraft, helicopters, and transport planes.
Where does Maldives get its military aircraft from?
Maldives sources its military aircraft primarily from India and Germany. The fleet composition reflects both domestic production capabilities and international defense partnerships.
Various public data, including Wikipedia, Flightglobal.com, SIPRI Arms Transfer and official government websites.
Last updated on 1 January 2025. Suggest a change