Armed Forces of Malta

Name	Armed Forces of Malta
Native name	Forzi Armati ta' Malta
Headquarters	Luqa Barracks
Commander-in-chief	George Abela
Minister	Lawrence Gonzi
Minister title	Prime Minister
Commander	Brigadier Martin G. Xuereb
Active	2,140 (2002 est.)
Reserve
Amount	$60 million (2000 est.)
Percent gdp	1.7% (2000)
Founded	19 April 1973
Current form
Disbanded
Branches	Headquarters1st Regiment3rd Regiment4th RegimentMaritime SquadronAir Wing
Age	18 years of age
Available	males age 15-49: 99,107 (2002 est.)
Fit	males age 15-49: 78,909 (2002 est.)
Conscription	voluntary
Foreign suppliers
Exports
Imports
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.

Organisation

Headquarters, AFM

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

Operations & 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

Air Wing, AFM

has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, maritime patrol, Search and Rescue, and provision of military assistance to other Government departments. The current air assets include:

! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Aircraft ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Versions ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|In service ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Notes |- | Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander || || fixed-wing aircraft || BN-2B-26 || 2 || |- | Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1 || || series 120 fixed-wing aircraft || Series 120 || 4 || ex-RAF |- | Aérospatiale SA 316B Alouette III || || helicopters || SA316B || 3 || ex-Libyan Air Force |- | Agusta-Bell Helicopter AB 212 || || helicopter || AB-212 || 2 || helicopters operated with mixed crews on SAR duties by an Italian Technical Assistance Mission. |- | Beechcraft B200 King Air || || fixed-wing aircraft || B200 || 1 (1) || Fitted with Telephonics Corporation RDR-1700B Maritime Surveillance and Imaging Radar http://www.airliners.net/photo/Malta---Air/Hawker-Beechcraft-B200/1872998/L/&sid;=3796abace36950110c37a9b6f314a64f . One will enter service in February 2011 . |}

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:

! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|In Service ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Class ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Fleet # ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Builder/Origins ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Year entered service ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Notes |- || 1 || "Modified" Diciotti class Offshore patrol vessel || (P 61) || Fincantieri S.p.a. at Muggiano Shipyard || 2005 || based on Corps of the Port Captaincies - Coast Guard vessesls |- | 2 || Protector Class Coastal Patrol Boat || (P 51, P 52) || Bollinger Shipyards Incorporated, || 2002 || based on Damen Stan 2600 |- | 1 || Bremse Class Inshore Patrol Boat (Bremse Type KB123) || (P 32) || || 1992 || built for ex-East German Navy 1971-1972 || 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

A list of vessels since retired by the AFM :

! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Fleet # ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Notes |- | P25, P26 || patrol ships || |- | C26 || patrol craft || |- | P28 || || |- | P29, P30, P31 || patrol boats || Ex-East German Kondor I Class 1968-1969 |- | 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 Ordinance 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

Private/Gunner

Lance Corporal/Lance Bombardier

Corporal/Bombardier

Sergeant

Staff Sergeant

Warrant Officer Class 2

Warrant Officer Class 1

Senior Sergeant Major

Second Lieutenant

Lieutenant

Captain

Major

Lieutenant Colonel

Colonel

Brigadier

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

! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Make ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type |- | Bofors 40 mm gun || || Anti-Aircraft |- |ZPU-4 14.5mm HMAAG || || Anti-Aircraft Gun |- |81mm mortar || or || Mortar |}

Vehicles

! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Make ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type |- | Maruti Gypsy || || 4x4 |- | M151 MUTT || || 4x4 |- | Land Rover Wolf || || 4x4 |- | Land Rover Defender || || 4x4 |- | Land Rover Series || || 4x4 |- | Range Rover || || 4x4 |- | Mitsubishi Triton || || Pickup truck |- | Iveco LMV || || Tactical SUV |- | Iveco VM 90 || || Tactical SUV |- | Iveco ACM 90 || || Large Tactical SUV |- | Humber Pig || || Armoured personnel carrier |- | Yamaha Motorcycles || || Motorcycle |- | Moto Guzzi 1000 Convert || || Motorcycle |- | Renault 25 || || Staff Car |- | Jeep Wagoneer || || Utility vehicle |- | Fiat TM 69 || || Multi-role 6x6 truck |- | Bedford TK || || Truck |- | Bedford TM || || Truck |- | Bedford RL || || Truck |- | Fiat CM-52 || || Truck |- | Ford Cargo || || Truck |- | M35 2½ ton cargo truck || || Truck |- | Fiat Ducato || || Van |}

Uniform and Personal Equipment

! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Make ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type |- | M81 woodland || || Battledress |- | Disruptive Pattern Material || || Battledress used by C(SD)Company |- | Desert Camouflage Uniform || || Battledress |- | || || Barrack Dress |- | 58 pattern webbing || || Webbing |- | Personal Load Carrying Equipment || || Webbing used by C(SD)Company |- | Arktis webbing || || Webbing used by C(SD)Company |- | SPECTRA helmet || || Helmet |- | Sistema Compositi SEPT-2 PLUS || || Helmet |- | || || Parade Uniform |- | || || Parade Uniform |- | Navy blue beret || || Beret |- | S10 NBC Respirator || || Gas Mask |}

Light equipment

! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Make ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin ! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Type |- | RPG-7V || || Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher |- | FN MAG || || GPMG |- | Browning M2 .50 HMG || || Heavy machine gun |- | FN Minimi || || Light machine gun |- | Beretta 92 || || Pistol |- | Makarov PM || || Pistol |- | Heckler & Koch MP5 || || SMG |- | Beretta M12 || || SMG |- | Beretta AR70/90 || || Assault Rifle |- | Type 56 || || Assault Rifle |- | Type 81 || || Assault Rifle |- | FN-FAL || || Assault Rifle |- | SIG 551 || || Assault Rifle |- | Benelli M4 Super 90 || || Shotgun |- | Type 80 || || Medium machine gun |- | PK || || Medium machine gun |- | Rheinmetall MG3 || || Medium machine gun |- | Type 85 Chinese variant of Dragunov SVD || || Sniper Rifle |- | Accuracy International PM/L96 - Including L115 (.338), AI96 (.308), Accuracy International AWM, and AW50 anti-material variants || || Sniper Rifle |- | L16 81mm Mortar || || Mortar |- | L9A1 51 mm Light Mortar || || Mortar |- | M67 grenade || || Hand grenade |- | SRCM.35 || || Hand grenade |- | MK3A2 Grenade || || Hand grenade |- | AN M18 || || Hand grenade |- | M84 stun grenade || || Hand grenade |}

References

External links

Armed Forces of Malta

For Gallantry Special forces and counterterrorism units of the AFM

Category:Military of Malta