Defense Minister commits to sharing drone acquisition details with 241 Committee

26 Mar 2024 | 08:48
One of the Maldives’ first three Bayraktar TB2 drones (Photo/ MNDF)

Minister of Defense Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has assured that all pertinent details regarding the acquisition of military drones from Turkey will be disclosed to the Parliament's Committee on National Security, known as the 241 Committee.

Minister Ghassan, who was summoned to Parliament today to address inquiries from members of parliament, fielded numerous questions centered around this issue.

In response to a query posed by West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef, who is also the president of the opposition Democrats, asking Ghassan to clarify the number of drones purchased by the government and the price of each drone.

It is not done in any country to disclose details of defense expenditure at a forum like this. I refrain from making that information public here [in parliament]

stated Minister

Ghassan also  asserted that the drone procurement process was carried out transparently and in accordance with established guidelines.

There will be documentation of this. And the investigative agencies that want to look at it can have it if they want. It has been done within the prescribed procedures

Minister affirmed

Although three military drones acquired from Turkey have been operational under the newly established MNDF Air Corps since March 15, specifics regarding the procurement costs and other related information have not been made public thus far.

While he declined to disclose cost details in a public forum, citing the sensitive nature of military operations, Ghassan indicated readiness to share relevant documentation with the 241 Committee upon request.

The necessary information can be provided during a closed session of the 241 Committee

Stated Minister

Additionally, Ghassan reiterated President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's earlier remarks, noting that while some drone-related equipment was provided as free aid, other components were acquired using state funds.

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