Seychelles Defence Forces

07/11/2026

Warm Diwali Greetings and Congratulations to India and the Indian Navy!

On behalf of the Seychelles Defence Forces, I extend my warmest wishes to the Indian High Commission and all its staff on the joyous occasion of Diwali.

May this festival of lights bring happiness, peace and prosperity to all.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate India and the Indian Navy on another remarkable achievement in promoting maritime security. The safe rescue and release of 20 Iranian hostages from the fishing vessel FV Azini by INS Kolkata in the high seas is a fine example of professionalism, courage and commitment. It truly reflects the spirit of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

The Seychelles Defence Forces also take great pride in the achievement of Capt Shirdi Kant Velagada, former Indian Defence Adviser in Seychelles and now Commanding Officer of INS Kolkata.
During his tenure in Seychelles, he made valuable contributions to strengthening defence ties between our two countries. He was also the first foreign military officer to be awarded the Seychelles National Defence Service Medal, in recognition of his outstanding service.

We wish him and his crew of INS Kolkata continued success and safe sailing.
India and Seychelles – strong partners, committed to a safer maritime neighbourhood!

Major General Michael Rosette
Chief of Defence Forces

Indian Navy
India in Seychelles (High Commission of India, Victoria)

28/10/2026

23/10/2026

MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, PRESIDENT DR. PATRICK HERMINIE

The Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Michael Rosette, on behalf of the Seychelles Defence Forces Command, Officers, Other Ranks, Civilian Staff and his family, extends his sincere wishes for a speedy and full recovery to the Commander-in-Chief, President Dr. Patrick Herminie, following his admission to the Seychelles hospital.

The Seychelles Defence Forces extends its thoughts and prayers to His Excellency and his family during this time, wishing the President a smooth recovery and a swift return to good health.

22/10/2026

PRESS COMMUNIQUE

SDF PROVIDES UPDATE TO FAMILIES OF MISSING COAST GUARD SAILORS

Victoria, Seychelles, 22 October 2026

The Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) Command met with the families of the two Seychelles Coast Guard sailors who went missing following an incident on 16 September 2026, to provide an update on the search operations and formally inform them of the decision to terminate the search.

During the meeting, the families were briefed on the extensive search efforts undertaken since the incident, including the assistance provided by the French Navy, which deployed a naval vessel equipped with advanced search capabilities. These included specialised sonar systems and remotely operated underwater vehicles brought in to support the search.

The families were informed that the search operations have now officially been terminated, following the exhaustion of all available local search resources and the completion of the French Navy’s search efforts, which also yielded no further results.

The SDF assured the families that, notwithstanding the termination of the search, any new credible information or leads would be assessed and pursued as appropriate, and that further assistance from international partners would be welcomed should new developments warrant it.

Family members were given the opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarification and receive information on the next steps, particularly regarding the ongoing investigation and the Commission of Enquiry appointed by the President of the Republic.

The SDF reaffirmed its continued support for the families during this difficult period.

20/10/2026

National Defence College of India Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to Seychelles Defence Forces

The Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) welcomed a delegation from India’s National Defence College to the Defence Forces Headquarters on Monday 19 October 2026, for a courtesy call and presentation as part of their Strategic Neighbourhood Study Tour (SNST) to Seychelles.

The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain a broader understanding of Seychelles’ socio-economic development, foreign policy, security priorities and strategic issues of Seychelles in context of changing perspectives of the current global environment. Through interactions and discussions with the Seychelles Defence Forces leadership, the engagement also facilitated the exchange of perspectives on matters of mutual interest.

The Seychelles Defence Forces values such engagements as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, foster professional collaboration and enhance cooperation between friendly nations.




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20/10/2026

🇸🇨 Standing Strong, Serving Together!

In the aftermath of the recent adverse weather conditions, personnel of the Seychelles Defence Forces have been deployed to assist local authorities in clearing fallen trees and debris, helping to restore safe access along affected roads.

Demonstrating teamwork, resilience and a strong sense of duty, our men and women in uniform continue to stand ready to serve the community whenever the need arises.

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17/10/2026

17/10/2026

16/10/2026

Seychelles Defence Forces Personnel Complete SeaVision Operator and Analyst Course

The United States Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC), represented by facilitators Mr Daniel and Mr Vladimir, conducted a two-week SeaVision Operator and Analyst Course for personnel from the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), comprising members of both operational units: the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Seychelles Air Force.

The training was delivered in two phases, with each course focusing on a distinct aspect of the SeaVision platform.

Upon successful completion of the two-week training programme, participants were awarded certificates for each course, recognising their achievement and the knowledge and skills acquired.

The certificate presentation ceremony was attended by the United States Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Christopher Green, Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette, Deputy Chief of the Defence Forces Brigadier Jean Attala, Chief of Staff Colonel Michael Hollanda, Unit Commanders, SDF Training Officer and Heads of Departments.

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Chief of the Defence Forces expressed his appreciation to the two facilitators for dedicating their time, sharing their expertise and experience and working closely with SDF personnel throughout the training.

He encouraged all participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course effectively in addressing maritime security and safety challenges they may encounter at sea.

On behalf of the Seychelles Defence Forces, the Deputy Chief of the Defence Forces also conveyed his gratitude to the Government of the United States and the United States Embassy in Victoria for their continued support and enduring partnership with the SDF.

The successful completion of the SeaVision Operator and Analyst Course marks another step towards strengthening the capabilities of SDF personnel in maritime data analysis, situational awareness and operational decision-making, contributing to the ongoing efforts to safeguard Seychelles’ maritime domain.