The fourth edition of the 'Black Merlin' joint military exercise, featuring soldiers from the United States (US) Montana National Guard and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), commenced on Sunday with a ceremony held in MNDF Headquarters Bandaara Koshi (BK).

During the inauguration ceremony on Sunday, Chief of Defense Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy and US Montana National Guard’s Adjutant General Major General John Peter Hronek graced the event as the chief guest and attended, respectively.

Also present were US Ambassador to the Maldives Hugo Yon, Vice Chief of Defense Force Brigadier General Ahmed Giyas, and senior officials from MNDF.

The joint exercise, scheduled from the present day until May 28th, will feature Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) sessions focusing on intelligence, logistics, medical, EOD, and infantry.

While most SMEEs will take place in Male', the infantry SMEE is slated for Kadhdhoo.

MNDF emphasized that the exercise aims to enhance understanding of staff officers' responsibilities, military planning processes, and training management.

The inaugural 'Black Merlin' exercise took place in 2021, involving 30 local military personnel.