Mon Jun 02 12:31:54 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Australia will gift a Guardian-class patrol boat and hydrographic equipment to the Maldives to bolster maritime security and ocean mapping capabilities. This initiative underscores Australia’s commitment to regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean. The announcement was made by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. Marles is currently on a tour of South and Southeast Asia, including stops in Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia, to discuss defense cooperation and regional security. His visit to India marks the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
**News Article:**

**Australia to Boost Maldives Maritime Security with Patrol Boat Gift**

**New Delhi – June 2, 2025** – Australia is set to significantly enhance the maritime security capabilities of the Maldives with a gift of a Guardian-class patrol boat and multi-beam echo sounder. The announcement was made on Monday by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Maldives Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.

The patrol boat, currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026, will bolster the Maldives’ ability to safeguard its territorial waters and contribute to regional maritime security. The multi-beam echo sounder will enable the Maldives to map its ocean floor, enhancing maritime safety and facilitating potential economic development.

“This initiative upholds our shared commitment to security, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region,” a joint statement said. Australia will also provide a maintenance and sustainment package to support the patrol boat.

Mr. Marles emphasized Australia’s dedication to working with partners in the Northeast Indian Ocean to maintain regional security. “Australia is proud to partner with Maldives to support its maritime security capability…In line with our National Defence Strategy,” he stated.

Mr. Maumoon highlighted the shared commitment between the two nations to maritime safety and security, particularly in search and rescue operations.

The announcement coincides with Mr. Marles’ visit to South and Southeast Asia, which includes meetings with leaders and counterparts in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia. The visit to India marks the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India. Discussions during the tour will focus on ongoing Australian support for sovereign capability development and reaffirming commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Read More