Maldives launches defense and cybersecurity initiatives with Islamic coalition support
New programs strengthen naval mine response and national cybersecurity as Maldives partners with Islamic coalition to counter emerging security threats
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Maldives has launched two major national security initiatives aimed at strengthening defense capacity and cybersecurity readiness, partnering with an Islamic military coalition backed by Saudi Arabia as governments across the Indian Ocean confront rapidly evolving maritime and digital threats.
The programs, titled “Competence” and “Cyber”, were introduced on Monday during an official launch event attended by defense and security officials.
The initiatives are being implemented in cooperation with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) — a 42-nation security alliance headquartered in Riyadh that coordinates joint training, counterterrorism strategy and defense cooperation among member states. IMCTC said the programs align with broader efforts to enhance preparedness across the Islamic world and strengthen responses to extremist and cyber threats.
According to organizers, the “Competence” initiative will build operational expertise within the Maldives’ naval forces, focusing on naval mine detection and disposal, which has become increasingly critical amid expanding commercial sea routes and rising maritime tensions across the Indian Ocean.
The program combines theoretical instruction with field exercises covering mine identification, demining procedures, underwater operations and deployment of modern equipment.
The “Cyber” program will reinforce national cybersecurity infrastructure through advanced training in digital threat detection, incident response and safeguarding critical public systems.
Officials say the initiative responds to escalating cyberattacks targeting essential services worldwide, particularly affecting small island states with limited defense resources.
As part of the launch, the Ministry of Defense signed a Joint Training Document with IMCTC establishing a long-term framework for military and technical training, capability-building, and knowledge exchange.
Security analysts say the initiatives reflect a growing move by Indian Ocean states to enhance defense partnerships amid increasingly complex hybrid threats that merge maritime vulnerabilities with cyberwarfare and transnational extremism.
The programs are expected to expand into further joint-training modules and technology development, with both parties expressing commitment to long-term cooperation in defense modernization and regional stability.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
