The Armed Forces yesterday unveiled one of two Beech King Air aircraft, tailor-made to the requirements of the Air Wing. The aircraft cost e9.6 million, 75% of which was provided by the EU’s external fund, with the remaining 25% being taken out of the national budget.

This aircraft has been kitted out with all the equipment which the AFM’s Air Wing needs to perform its missions around Malta. The aircraft has been delivered just in time to try and help deal with the unfolding human tragedy in the Mediterranean waters off Malta. Another aircraft of the same type will be delivered next year.

The aircraft, in twin-engine configuration, will allow the AFM more time over Search and Rescue areas. The state-of-the-art equipment on board will also allow for far more thorough searches, as well as more pinpoint operations in terms of finding people within good time to get them rescued.

While the AFM is a thoroughly professional organisation, there has been a lack of equipment in the past, coupled with deterioration of assets. But, in recent years, there have been big strides made in terms of the equipment in use. The revamping of the Maritime Squadron has seen the introduction of maritime vessels that have been manufactured in Australia and the United States, with the latest technology installed on modern machines.

It has enabled the AFM to patrol our seas better, both in terms of security and search and rescue. The Air Wing has also seen an improvement in its assets, but most of this has been down to the ingenuity of the staff and officers of that section. One of the trusty (and very versatile and highly regarded) Islander aircraft has been refitted with turboprop engines, in place of the old piston engines. Helicopters have been stripped and given complete overhauls, while new power plants have been purchased for various machines.

But this latest aircraft will finally provide the AFM’s pilots and flight crew with a proper machine to be proud of. It features satellite navigation, sophisticated radar and myriad avionics systems. It also has an autopilot and, very importantly, air conditioning. One has to experience a flight in a piston-engine aircraft in the height of summer in a full jump suit to fully appreciate what a difference this can make to a four-hour patrol in blazing sunshine, and to draw a comparison.

The Air Wing sorely needed this aircraft, and one can be assured that as time goes by, it will fine-tune the machine until it is perfectly suited to its needs. The aircraft will be looked after and maintained. Again, one has to have experienced AFM flight ops to know just what care and attention the air and ground crews lavish on these aircraft. Malta needs an up-to-date arsenal, and it is very positive to see that this is slowly, but surely, happening.