€7.4 million investment to strengthen Armed Forces of Malta capabilities and training
An investment of around €7.4 million, co-financed through European funds, is further strengthening the operational capabilities, training and technological capacity of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM).
The investment includes €4.28 million for the Mid-Life Upgrade of the AFM’s King Air aircraft, as well as €3.2 million for a Ground Simulator Training Device, providing AFM crews with a specialised facility for training and practising operational procedures. With the upgrade of the third aircraft, the entire King Air fleet has now been modernised, further strengthening Malta’s capacity to carry out surveillance, security and border control missions.
The Ground Simulator Training Device is the first flight simulator of its kind for the Armed Forces of Malta and the only one of its kind in Malta. It will enable crews to continue training and practising in a dedicated environment, while maintaining and enhancing the high level of competence required to carry out their missions safely and effectively.
During the activity, Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield said that this investment is concrete proof of the Government’s commitment to further strengthening Malta’s security capabilities.
“We invest in equipment, we invest in technology, and we invest in training, but above all, we invest in people. Because it is people who bring every investment we make to life. Modern equipment alone does not create operational capability; you need trained people, expertise, and continuous preparation. That is why we will continue investing in the training and in the people of the Armed Forces of Malta, who every day, with dedication and professionalism, carry out their duties to keep our country safe.”
Minister Bedingfield said that this investment is being made in the context of the particular responsibility Malta has as an island country at the centre of the Mediterranean and as a Member State of the European Union.
Minister Bedingfield also recalled that this project was among the security commitments included in the Electoral Manifesto and is being delivered during the first months of the legislature.
He thanked the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta and all AFM personnel for their contribution to the implementation of this project.
Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection Keith Azzopardi Tanti said that: “European funds make the greatest difference when they are translated into concrete capabilities that strengthen our country and contribute to the security of our people. This €7.4 million investment is doing precisely that: modernising the air fleet of the Armed Forces of Malta while also introducing a new and historic training capability for its crews. This is not only an investment in technology and infrastructure, but, above all, an investment in the people who operate these capabilities and in strengthening Malta’s capacity to continue contributing to the security of our country and of the European Union.”
Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta Brigadier Clinton O’Neill said that, “These two projects, together with other projects, represent our determination to ensure that the men and women within the Armed Forces of Malta are provided with the equipment, technology and training required to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them in the safest and most efficient manner.”
