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 staff | Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi |
| 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 |
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.[1]
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
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[2] | Year entered service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Modified" Diciotti class Offshore patrol vessel [3] | (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 [4] | (P 51, P 52) | Bollinger Shipyards Incorporated,  United States | 2002 | Based on Damen Stan 2600 |
| 3 | Boomeranger RHIBs [5] | (P02-P04) |  Finland | 2013 | Purchased from EBF Funding |
| 2 | (CP800 Vittoria Melita Class Search and Rescue Launch [6] | (Melita I, Melita II) | Cantiere Navale Vittoria, Adria Italy | 1998 | |
| 1 | Fast-Interceptor Craft Rigid-hulled inflatable boat [7] | (P 01) | FB Design Srl Italy | 2006 | Acquired in 2003 |
| 4 | P21 class inshore patrol vessel [8] | P21, P22, P23, P24 | Austal, Perth  Australia[9] | 2010 | Ordered in Feb 2009. Two vessels were launched on October 6, 2009.[10] The four vessels (P21, P22, P23 and P24) were delivered in February 2010. |
The European commission voted 110 million euros in funds for the AFM. The government used these funds to purchase the four P21 class patrol vessels and has ordered a new offshore maritime surveillance aircraft.
Ex-AFM Ships
A list of vessels since retired by the AFM:[11]
| Fleet # | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P23, P24 | Swift Class Inshore Patrol Boat | Ex-US Coast Guard built in 1967 USA C6823 and USA C6824[10][12] |
| P25, P26 | patrol ships | |
| C26 | patrol craft | |
| P28 | ||
| P29, P30, P31 | patrol boats | Ex-East German Kondor I Class 1968-1970 |
| P33, P32 (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 | Italy | Tactical SUV |
| Bedford TK | United Kingdom | Truck |
| Bedford TM | United Kingdom | Truck |
| Fiat Ducato | Italy | 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 | Italy | 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 | .svg.png){kind=small} Belgium | GPMG |
| Browning M2 .50 HMG | United States | Heavy machine gun |
| FN Minimi | Belgium | Light machine gun |
| Beretta 92 | Italy | Pistol |
| Heckler & Koch MP5 |  Germany | SMG |
| Beretta M12 | Italy | SMG |
| Type 56 |  China | Assault Rifle |
| Type 81 | China | Assault Rifle |
| Beretta AR70/90 | Italy | 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 | Italy | Hand grenade |
| MK3A2 Grenade | United States | Hand grenade |
| AN M18 | United States | Hand grenade |
| M84 stun grenade | United States | Hand grenade |
References
- ↑ List of national services responsible for border control
- ↑ "Maritime Squadron, Armed Forces of Malta". Maltaspotting.com. Retrieved 2011-03-20.
- ↑ "Official AFM website - AFM Maritime Squadron Diciotti Class Offshore Patrol Vessel overview". 2013-01-11. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
- ↑ "Official AFM website - AFM Maritime Squadron Protector Class Offshore Patrol Vessels overview". 2013-01-11. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
- ↑ "Official AFM website - AFM Maritime Squadron Protector Class Offshore Patrol Vessels overview". 2013-01-11. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
- ↑ "Official AFM website - AFM Maritime Squadron SAR Supervittoria 800 Rescue Launches overview". 2013-01-11. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
- ↑ "Official AFM website - AFM Maritime Squadron FB Interceptor Vessel overview". 2013-01-11. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
- ↑ "Official AFM website - AFM Maritime Squadron Austal P21 Class Inshore Patrol Vessels overview". 2013-01-11. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
- ↑ "Visit to Australia by Republic of Malta Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs The Hon Dr Tonio Borg". Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 15 May 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-17.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "New AFM patrol boats launched". Times of Malta. 2009-10-06. Archived from the original on 9 October 2009. Retrieved 2009-10-15.
- ↑ "Maltese Navy". Battleships-cruisers.co.uk. Archived from the original on 22 April 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-20.
- ↑ http://malta.usembassy.gov/en-08162012.html
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Military of Malta. |
- Armed Forces of Malta
- For Gallantry Special forces and counterterrorism units of the AFM
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