Maldivian National Defense Force

The Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) is the primary security and defense organization of the Maldives. It is responsible for protecting the nation's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime interests. The MNDF comprises various branches, including the Coast Guard, which plays a crucial role in maritime security and search and rescue operations in the island nation's vast Exclusive Economic Zone. Recently, the MNDF has been in the news due to a tragic incident during a search operation. A Maldivian military diver, Mohamed Mahdi, died on Saturday, May 15, 2026, while attempting to recover the bodies of four Italian divers who had gone missing inside an underwater cave system near Alimathaa Island in Vaavu Atoll. The perilous search was subsequently halted due to the diver's death. This event highlights the dangerous nature of underwater rescue missions in the Maldives and underscores the risks undertaken by MNDF personnel in their duty to serve and protect.