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Bankrupt Pakistan Promises Military Aid to Maldives Despite Lacking Resources
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News18•16-10-2026, 13:10
Bankrupt Pakistan Promises Military Aid to Maldives Despite Lacking Resources
- •Pakistan is attempting to increase military cooperation with the Maldives to strengthen its strategic grip in the Indian Ocean.
- •Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu requested old aircraft, technical assistance, and infrastructure to establish an air force.
- •The proposal includes potentially providing at least one CN-235 transport aircraft along with military training and technical support.
- •Questions are raised about Pakistan's capability, as the Pakistan Air Force itself has only four CN-235 aircraft and lacks sufficient reserves.
- •Under President Muizzu, the Maldives has shifted its diplomatic and defense focus away from India and closer to Pakistan.
Key Questions Answered
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu requested old aircraft, including at least one CN-235 transport aircraft, alongside technical and economic assistance to help establish an air force and build necessary infrastructure.
An MoU on the proposal is speculated to be signed during President Mohamed Muizzu's visit to Pakistan in October 2026.
The Pakistan Air Force has only 4 CN-235 aircraft, which were originally purchased from Indonesia, raising questions about whether Pakistan has sufficient resources to provide them to the Maldives.
