Türkiye Donates Fast Attack Craft to Maldives, Commissioned as CGS Dharumavantha
On August 15, 2025, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) commissioned the CGS Dharumavantha, a Doğan-class fast attack craft donated by Türkiye. Previously known as TCG Volkan, the vessel was transferred under a defense cooperation agreement between the two countries.
The commissioning ceremony took place in Malé and was attended by President Mohamed Muizzu, Admiral Kadir Yıldız, Commander of the Turkish Fleet, and other senior officials. The ship is named after Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu, the first Sultan of the Maldives.
The TCG Volkan began its transfer on July 1, 2025, arriving in Malé on August 7. A Turkish flag lowering ceremony was held on August 10, followed by the official commissioning five days later. Turkish and Maldivian defense officials, including the Turkish Military Attaché in New Delhi and the Turkish Ambassador to Colombo, participated in the events.
Prior to the transfer, maintenance and repairs were carried out at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command. The vessel was delivered via a transport ship, with the handover originally planned for June. A group of 19 MNDF personnel were trained in Türkiye from April 7 to May 9 in preparation for operating the vessel.
CGS Dharumavantha is 58 meters long, displaces approximately 430 tonnes, and is powered by four diesel engines, capable of reaching speeds up to 38 knots. It is armed with a 76 mm gun and a 35 mm gun, providing surface and limited air defense capabilities. Built by Luerssen in Istanbul, the ship served in the Turkish Navy from 1977 until 2024, when it was reassigned as a test and training platform before being donated.
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