Coast Guard Aviation Squadron
Key facts
| Official Name | Coast Guard Aviation Squadron |
| Local Name | Maldives National Defence Force Air Wing |
| Country | ๐ฒ๐ป Maldives |
| World rank | #147 |
| Active aircraft | 4 as of 2026 |
| Aircraft on order | 0 |
Global Air Force Index
| ๐ฅ Strategic Bombers | 0 | Nuclear-capable strike aircraft (highest weight) |
| โ๏ธ Combat Aircraft | 0 | Fighters, multirole & attack aircraft |
| ๐ Helicopters | 2 | Attack, transport & utility rotorcraft |
| ๐ซ Transport | 2 | Strategic & tactical airlift |
| ๐ 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 | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
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
| Aircraft Type | Model | Origin Country | Model Year | Active | ๐ซ YoY | Ordered | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhruv ALH | ![]() |
๐ฎ๐ณ | 2002 | 2 | 0 |
0 |
||
| Dornier 228 | ![]() |
๐ฉ๐ช | 1982 | 2 | 0 |
0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does Maldives have?
How does Maldives's air force rank globally?
How many military helicopters does Maldives have?
What is the Air Force Index of Maldives?
Where does Maldives get its military aircraft from?
Last updated on 1 January 2025. Suggest a change

