MNDF Pilots Operate Dornier Do228 Aircraft For The First Time In History

The Dornier Do228 Aircraft was gifted to Maldives by India in 2020 and was positioned to Hdh.Hanimaadhoo. The aircraft was previously used by the India Military Personnel’s for surveillance over the Maldivian exclusive economic zone and different coast guard operations. MNDF came to the Letter of Exchange agreement with India in 2019 that allowed Maldivian pilots to operate the aircraft.

Five individuals were trained as pilots, out of which, four pilots completed the Dornier flying course. However, two pilots had been awarded the CG Aviation Squad badge on Tuesday, November 9^th and have now joined the service. The two pilots who were given the authority to fly the aircraft had undergone training by the Indian Armed Forces.

The CG Aviation Squad badges were awarded by the Major General at Chief of Defense Force, Abdulla Shamaal. During the ceremony, Shamaal thanked the Indian Army Forces for training the Maldivian pilots in the useful and versatile aerial platforms which have now led to a historical moment in Maldivian history.