This morning the Armed Forces of Malta inaugurated a new Data Centre and upgrade to its microwave link network. Valued over €2 million, this investment was 75% co-funded by the EU under the External Borders Fund, General Programme – Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2007 – 2013.
During the event it was announced, that a new Microwave Link Network was strategically installed around Malta and Gozo to cover all the coastal areas and AFM locations with advance encrypted communication.
A state of the art Data Centre was also built in less than a year at the AFM Barracks in Luqa, to support this network, capable of hosting the current and future information systems required to ensure business continuity in AFM surveillance and border operations.
Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela stated that the dream of having an army equipped with the latest digital communications technology systems has become a reality. He explained that communications information system facilities constitute an important component in modern military operations, since these provide secure voice and data communication among various AFM assets.
He recalled that prior to this project, the AFM had an obsolete Microwave Link Network that was installed 15 years ago lacking proper hosting facilities to host information system equipment.
The Home Affairs Minister remarked the attention provided to cyber security threats and that this project provides both a platform for data protection and a means to prepare soldiers better in such an area. He added that investment in the Force’s human resources technical abilities will persist and in effect the members that will be working on these systems are proficient in IT skills and have been provided with technical training, as part of this project.
Minister Abela applauded the AFM for the planning pertained in this project. Instead of just replacing the obsolete equipment, an internal study was conducted to identify the AFM operational requirements, reflecting on the importance given by AFM to research, prior to heading with projects.
Parliamentary Secretary stated that the Armed Forces of Malta will benefit almost €53m, accounting for 70% of the total allocation of EU funds allocated for border protection, immigration and security under the 2007-13 programme.
The objective of ‘The External Borders Fund’ is to continue to provide regular support in respect of cross-border operations which are also known as Maritime Squadron.
Borg stressed that through this investment, the operations of the AFM are not only appreciated and highly respected but also the country’s security will be met.
Dr Borg also recalled that no less than 13 large-scale projects were successfully implemented during the last years of this programme. The project inaugurated today has helped to build a new data centre for data and updating the microwave network which are both critical for effective function of the Infrastructure, coastal and border control of Malta. He closed his speech by thanking FPD along with the management of the Armed Forces who jointly managed to implement this project with tight deadlines.
In his speech, the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi, said that this project is part of the AFM’s digital modernisation process which reflects current technological trends. The infrastructure, with all its redundancy measures is vital for the day-to-day functioning of the AFM, be it on operational levels and the quest to increase cyber security in its daily functions. Brigadier Curmi concluded by thanking all those who worked with dedication to see this project come to life.