Armed Forces of Malta

Armed Forces of Malta
Forzi Armati ta' Malta
Military ensign
Founded	19 April 1973
Service branches	Headquarters 1st Regiment 3rd Regiment 4th Regiment Maritime Squadron Air Wing
Headquarters	Luqa
Leadership
Commander-in-Chief	George Abela
Defence Minister	Emanuel Mallia MP
Chief of Defense	Brigadier Martin G. Xuereb
Manpower
Military age	18 years of age
Conscription	voluntary
Available for military service	males age 15-49: 99,107 (2002 est.), age 15–49
Fit for military service	males age 15-49: 78,909 (2002 est.), age 15–49
Active personnel	2,140 (2002 est.)
Expenditures
Budget	$60 million (2000 est.)
Percent of GDP	1.7% (2000)
Related articles
History	Military history of Malta

Structure of the Armed Forces of Malta

The Armed Forces of Malta is the name given to the combined armed services of Malta. The AFM is a brigade sized organisation consisting of a headquarters and three separate battalions, with minimal air and naval forces. The AFM is also responsible for border control.

Organisation

Headquarters, AFM

HQ AFM is the main command centre for the Armed Forces of Malta, and is divided into four main areas.

• Operations Branch
• Training Branch
• Administration & Personnel Branch
• Logistics Branch
• European Union Security Defence Policy Branch
• Public Information Cell
• Intelligence Cell
• Legal Office
• Audit & inspectorate Branch

1st Regiment, AFM

1st Regiment is Malta's infantry unit, and has primary responsibility for the territorial defence of the country. It is divided into three rifle companies, a support company and a headquarters company.

• A Company - is responsible for airport security in the controlled access role by providing security guards at terminal access points/airfield perimeter gates leading to restricted areas and by conducting patrol in these said areas. They also enforce access passes and visitor movement control assisted with CCTV surveillance and is based at Malta International Airport.
• B Company - is responsible for security duties in various locations. It carries out land patrols and conducts vehicle checkpoints for traffic contraventions, illegal immigrants' identification and apprehension, and anti-narcotics' searches. It liaises very closely with the Police in relation to many of their activities.In addition, it is an internal security company, tasked with guarding high-profile/sensitive government establishments, and is based at Hal-Far.
• C (Special Duties) Company - is the AFM's Quick Reaction Force, for high-risk operations both internally and as part of the European Union. It also serves as an infantry training unit for the AFM and is based at Hal-Far.
• Air Defence & Support Company - provides Malta's primary air defence capability, armed with the Bofors 40mm L70 (currently being phased out)and ZPU-4 14.5mm AAMG as well as 81mm mortars, Type 69 RPG's and Browning .50 HMGs for ground support. Its primary role is the light anti-aircraft defence of Luqa Airport and other vulnerable points on the Maltese islands. Gunnery training and battery shooting practices are regularly held at Pembroke Ranges, St. Andrews. This sub-unit runs a training school conducting Junior Non-commissioned Officers Leadership development courses, Infantry trade courses, Ceremonial Saluting guns courses and AAMG courses. All the AFM ceremonial activities that involve the firing of the saluting guns are performed by this sub-unit. This sub-unit is also responsible for the administration and training of the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force.
• HQ Company - exercises command and control over the other sub-units.
• Battle Honour
  • Egypt 1882
  • Operation Atalanta

Air Wing

Main article: Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta

The Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta is the aerial component of the current Maltese military. The Air Wing has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, conducts maritime patrol and Search and Rescue duties, and provides military assistance to other government departments of Malta.

Maritime Squadron

The maritime squadron has a wide range of duties, including coast guard, customs, marine police, fisheries protection and search and rescue. Current maritime assets:

In Service	Class	Fleet #	Builder/Origins	Year entered service	Notes
1	"Modified" Diciotti class Offshore patrol vessel	(P 61)	Fincantieri S.p.a. at Muggiano Shipyard Italy	2005	Based on Corps of the Port Captaincies - Coast Guard vessesls
2	Protector Class Coastal Patrol Boat	(P 51, P 52)	Bollinger Shipyards Incorporated, United States	2002	Based on Damen Stan 2600
1	Bremse Class Inshore Patrol Boat (Bremse Type KB123)	(P 32)	Germany	1992	Built for ex-East German Navy 1971-1972
2	Swift Class Inshore Patrol Boat	(P 23, P 24)	Sewart Seacraft Limited United States	1971	Ex-US Coast Guard built in 1967 USA C6823 and USA C6824
2	(CP800 Vittoria Melita Class Search and Rescue Launch	(Melita I, Melita II)	Cantiere Navale Vittoria, Adria Italy	1998
1	Fast-Interceptor Craft Rigid-hulled inflatable boat	(P 01)	FB Design Srl Italy	2006	Acquired in 2003
4	P21 class inshore patrol vessel	P21, P22, P23, P24	Austal, Perth Australia	2010	Ordered in Feb 2009. Two vessels were launched on October 6, 2009. The four vessels (P21, P22, P23 and P24) were delivered in February 2010.

The European commission has voted 110 million euros in funds for the AFM. The government has purchased 4 new patrol vessels to upgrade and strengthen the maritime squadron as well as ordered a new offshore maritime surveillance aircraft.

Ex-AFM Ships

Protector-class patrol boats on anti-piracy training mission in 2011

A list of vessels since retired by the AFM:

Fleet #	Type	Notes
P25, P26	patrol ships
C26	patrol craft
P28
P29, P30, P31	patrol boats	Ex-East German Kondor I Class 1968-1970
P33 (Bremse Class)
P34, P35
P36, P37
P38, P39
LCVP Mk7	landing craft	Ex-USN

Rapid Deployment Team (R.D.T)

The Rapid Deployment Team is the unit tasked to perform M.L.E. (Maritime Law Enforcement) operations and counter terrorism interventions at sea. Its members operate the Fast-Interceptor Craft P 01.

3rd Regiment, AFM

3 Regiment is the AFM's main support unit, and consists of three operational sections.

• Engineer Squadron - this provides the engineering support.
• Ammunition and Explosives Company - is responsible for the storage and control of all types of ammunition held by the AFM as well as for the storage and control of blasting material used by civilian contractors for quarry blasting, etc. It includes the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) section which is responsible for the detection and disposal of bombs and other explosive devices. It is also responsible for the inspection of mail at major post offices, inspection of baggage and aircraft at the airport and security checks at the house of Representative
• Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Squadron - is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all AFM vehicles, generators, plant and other service equipment.

4th Regiment, AFM

Established with the AFM review of Oct 30th, 2006, it includes:

• The AFM Band - takes part in official engagements, performing at ceremonial parades, band displays and other band programmes in Malta and Gozo. Besides their duties as bandsmen, the personnel also perform all military duties.
• Revenue Security Corps - assists Government in the prevention of smuggling, the protection of revenue and, when necessary, the investigation of contraventions relating to fiscal and monetary laws. The RSC is also responsible for the security and cash escort duties of commercial banks.
• HQ Company
• C3I Company

Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force

In addition to the regular forces, there is also the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force, which consists of part-time volunteers to support the regulars at Air Defence & Support Company (ADSC), 1 Regiment AFM.

Italian Military Mission Malta

The presence of the Italian Military Mission (IMM) in Malta has taken form in the shape of technical assistance spread over three periods of time. Firstly, between 1973 and 1979, then between 1981 and July 1988, and lastly between July 1988 to date.

IMM personnel resources in Malta total to 12 Officers and 35 NCOs from the three Service branches of the Italian Armed Forces. It is also equipped with two AB 212 helicopters, 15 heavy plant vehicles, 60 light all-purpose utility vehicles, radio telecommunications, and weapons.

Ranks of the AFM

Rank	Average Length of service
Gunner (rank)	First Rank
Lance Bombardier	3 Years
Bombardier	6-8 Years
Sergeant	12 Years
Staff Sergeant	14 Years
Warrant Officer Class 2	16 Years
Warrant Officer Class 1	18 Years
Second Lieutenant	Officer for 2 Years
Lieutenant	Officer for 2 Years
Captain	Officer for 3 Years
Major	Officer for 8-10 Years
Lieutenant Colonel	Officer for 16-18 Years
Colonel	officer for 22–24 years
Brigadier	officer for 25–27 years

Brief History

The AFM was formed upon Malta becoming a republic in 1974, when 1 Regiment Royal Malta Artillery was renamed as 1 Regiment, AFM. This initially continued the artillery role, with 2 Regiment formed as an engineers unit. In 1980, 1 Regiment became a mixed unit, with infantry, aircraft and maritime responsibilities, the artillery element being transferred to 2 Regiment. In 1992, there was a major re-organisation, which led to the formation of 3 Regiment and the current structure.

The AFM wears a single cap badge, based on that of the Royal Malta Artillery, which consists of a gun, similar to that worn by the Royal Artillery but without the crown, on top of a Maltese Cross, with the motto "Tutela Bellicæ Virtutis" underneath.

King's Own Malta Regiment

The King's Own Malta Regiment was a territorial infantry regiment on the British Army colonial list prior to Malta's independence. It was formed in 1801 as the "Regiment of Maltese Militia", existing only until the following year. It was reformed as the "Maltese Militia" by Sir Adrian Dingli in 1852 before disbanding again in 1857. It was raised again, this time as the "Royal Malta Regiment of Militia" in 1889; this regiment was considered to be the successor to the "Maltese Chasseurs" of the early 19th century. The regiment was renamed the "King's Own Royal Malta Regiment of Militia" in 1903, and was disbanded in 1921. The regiment was raised for a fourth time in 1931 as the "King's Own Malta Regiment". Initially on the British Establishment, in 1951 it was transferred to the Malta Territorial Force before becoming part of the Malta Land Force on Malta's independence in 1970. The regiment was disbanded in 1972.

• 1st Battalion, KOMR [1897–1921, 1931–1946, 1952–1972]
• 2nd Battalion, KOMR [1897–1921, 1940–1946, 1952–1972]
• 3rd Battalion, KOMR [1940–1945]
• 10th Battalion, KOMR (Territorial) [1942–1943]

Battle Honours

• 1800 (awarded for services of the Maltese Chasseurs)
• Second World War: Malta 1940–1942

Equipment

Make	Origin	Type
Bofors 40 mm gun	Sweden	Anti-Aircraft
ZPU-4 14.5 mm SPAAG	Soviet Union	Anti-Aircraft Gun
81mm mortar	United Kingdom	Mortar

Vehicles

Make	Origin	Type
Land Rover Wolf	United Kingdom	4x4
Iveco VM 90		Tactical SUV
Bedford TK	United Kingdom	Truck
Bedford TM	United Kingdom	Truck
Fiat Ducato		Van

Uniform and Personal Equipment

Make	Origin	Type
US Woodland	United States	Battledress
Desert Camouflage Uniform	United States	Battledress
No.7: Warm weather barrack dress	United Kingdom	Barrack Dress
58 pattern webbing	United Kingdom	Webbing
Personal Load Carrying Equipment	United Kingdom	Webbing used by C(SD)Company
Arktis webbing	United States	Webbing used by C(SD)Company
SPECTRA helmet	France	Helmet
Sistema Compositi SEPT-2 PLUS		Helmet
No.2: Service dress (temperate parade uniform)	United Kingdom	Parade Uniform
No.3: Warm weather ceremonial uniform	United Kingdom	Parade Uniform
Navy blue beret	United Kingdom	Beret
S10 NBC Respirator	United Kingdom	Gas Mask

Small Arms and Light Equipment

Make	Origin	Type
RPG-7V	Soviet Union	Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher
FN MAG	Belgium	GPMG
Browning M2 .50 HMG	United States	Heavy machine gun
FN Minimi	Belgium	Light machine gun
Beretta 92		Pistol
Heckler & Koch MP5	Germany	SMG
Beretta M12		SMG
Type 56	China	Assault Rifle
Type 81	China	Assault Rifle
Beretta AR70/90		Assault Rifle
AK-47	Soviet Union	Assault Rifle
FN FAL	Belgium	Battle Rifle
Type 80	China	Medium machine gun
PK	Soviet Union	Medium machine gun
Accuracy International PM/L96 - Including L115 (.338), AI96 (.308), Accuracy International AWM, and AW50 anti-material variants	United Kingdom	Sniper Rifle
L16 81mm Mortar	United Kingdom	Mortar
L9A1 51 mm Light Mortar	United Kingdom	Mortar
M67 grenade	United States	Hand grenade
SRCM 35		Hand grenade
MK3A2 Grenade	United States	Hand grenade
AN M18	United States	Hand grenade
M84 stun grenade	United States	Hand grenade

External links

• Armed Forces of Malta
• For Gallantry Special forces and counterterrorism units of the AFM