On 15 August 2025, the Maldives National Defence Force officially commissioned the former Turkish Navy fast attack craft TCG Volkan, renamed Dharumavantha, into service. The vessel was donated by Türkiye, and the ceremony, attended by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, highlighted the strategic significance of the transfer amid rising maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean. The move also reflects the deepening defense cooperation between Ankara and Malé.
Technical Features and Armament
Dharumavantha belongs to the Doğan-class, designed by Germany’s Lürssen Werft and built for the Turkish Navy in the early 1980s. The vessel measures 58.1 meters, displaces 436 tons, and is powered by four MTU diesel engines producing 12,000 horsepower, enabling speeds of up to 38 knots and a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles. Its weapons include a 76 mm Oto Melara naval gun and a twin-barrel 35 mm Oerlikon air-defense system, supported by modern radar and decoy systems. Although Harpoon missile launchers were not transferred, the platform remains a capable asset for coastal defense and patrol duties. Maldivian authorities may consider future upgrades, possibly with Turkish-made Atmaca anti-ship missiles.
Preparation and Training
Commissioned into Turkish service in 1981, TCG Volkan was later modernized and reclassified as a test and training vessel in 2024 before its transfer. Refurbishment at Istanbul Naval Shipyard ensured operational readiness. Maldivian naval crews trained in Türkiye earlier in 2025, with additional onboard instruction provided by Turkish technical teams after the ship’s arrival in Malé.
Strategic Impact
The Doğan-class represented a milestone in Turkish naval modernization, being the first to deploy Harpoon missiles. Even without missile armament, the Maldivian variant provides a qualitative advantage over many regional patrol boats, thanks to its firepower and speed. This makes it particularly effective against challenges such as smuggling, piracy, and illegal fishing.
Conclusion
The commissioning of Dharumavantha marks a turning point for the Maldives Navy. It strengthens the country’s ability to secure its exclusive economic zone, improves its regional maritime presence, and reinforces its role in Indian Ocean stability. For Türkiye, the donation signals an expanding defense diplomacy footprint in South Asia while enhancing Malé’s deterrence posture in an increasingly contested maritime environment.
