MALE: The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) lacks capability to fully discharge its duties and responsibilities entrusted by the constitution, Chief of Defense Force Major General Moosa Ali Jaleel has said. Defense Force Chief made the statement speaking at a news conference held at Coast Guard Building yesterday. The Defense Chief also said MNDF needs to develop its human resources. He said he came to know this during the recently completed 'Ajuma Exercise' held from 16-18 June.

Speaking at the news conference, Defense Chief said in order to fully discharge their constitutional duties and responsibilities and to develop its human resources, MNDF needed a bigger and an expanded budget.

“We have found that we have shortcomings in our human resources, we have limited resources and facilities, and from this exercise we have realized that our capability to fully discharge the constitutionally entrusted responsibilities and duties are not complete, these three things are connected with finance or money, I have heard sayings that Defense Force personnel are expensive and a difficult lot, however, despite this belief, I would like to say , many people do not understand the cost of carrying out our constitutionally entrusted duties “ Defense Chief Jaleel said.

When asked what his priority would be if given the necessary budget, Defense Chief said it would to build the MNDF infrastructure. In this regard, he noted building headquarters in each atoll and provide basic and essential services to the soldiers, serving at these stations, as tasks that are on the top of his priority list. He also said due to the present economic crisis, he was fully appreciative that everything may not be up to the mark.

Defense Minister Ameen Faisal speaking at the news conference revealed plans to establish an Air Force soon, despite ongoing current economic difficulties. Minister Faisal also said defense services in the atolls will be widened and improved during the course of the year.

He revealed that services of Central Area Command will commence on 4 July and services of Northern Area Command on 11 November. He also said Male’ Area Command will be inaugurated on 31 December. Southern Area Command was inaugurated on 21 April this year.

Defense minister also expressed confidence, that neighboring countries would provide assistance and support to establish MNDF Air Force. He revealed he was expecting 2 Dornier aircrafts and 2 helicopters from a friendly neighboring country and that necessary documentations were being prepared.

“We are getting ready to provide air services, we estimate to launch services in the near future” Defense Minister Ameen Faisal said.