The Armed Forces of Malta today officially inaugurated their third AW139 helicopter, which is to be used mainly border patrol and Search and Rescue operations.
The aircraft, which cost around €13 million and is co-funded by the European Union, joined the growing AFM fleet today in a ceremony presided over by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela, Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Ian Borg and AFM Commander Jeffrey Curmi.
The three aircraft were constructed by AugustaWestland, now Leondardo Finemeccanica. They carry a crew of five, including two rescue swimmers, and can carry a total of 15 people.
The helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and imaging systems, a hoist for SAR operations and a stretcher for medical evacuations (Medevac). The first AW139 was acquired in 2014.
Minister Abela said this was part of an ongoing modernisation process that will see the AFM acquire a third fixed-wing aircraft and another Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). He said the armed forces have invested more than €60 million in the past four years. This, combined with training, was turning the army into a modern and efficient force. “The AFM have entered a new era,” he said.
These developments came as the Mediterranean region became ever more volatile, with problems related to people smuggling and other illicit activities. “Strengthening our army’s border control abilities also means strengthening the security of the country and its neighbours.”
Mr Abela said the investment would not stop here and new project would be announced in time.
The Minister said the first two helicopters had flown 176 missions varying from Search and Rescue, medevacs and Frontex operations. The aircraft have also flown 232 training flights.
Dr Ian Borg explained that the aircraft was funded by the European Borders Fund and the Internal Security fund at a rate of 75%. The government, he said, remained committed to implementing EU funded projects that can turn into success stories. He said the project will strengthen security on Europe’s southernmost border.
The general objective was to effectively enhance and protect the EU States’ capacity in combating and managing security related risks and crises. He said that EU Funds were a big contributing factor towards these aims. In fact, EU funds have helped to finance a number of large scale initiatives which assisted in modernizing AFM’s technology, premises, border control equipment, the purchasing of patrol boats as well as two other helicopters – projects which are worth nearly of €54 million in EBF funding.
Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi, the commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, thanked the government for the support it was extending to the army. He said that with a third helicopter equipped with cutting edge technology the army could now achieve results that were beyond the expectations of a few years ago. Brigadier Curmi also spoke on the AFM’s role in working with its European partners on border security and saving lives.
Mattea Barbarossa, for Leonardo, said four years ago the prospect of Malta having three AugustaWestland helicopters seemed like a dream but had become reality. “Malta should be proud of what its armed forces have achieved in such a short time.”
The three helicopters flew a display pattern over the AFM airbase before the newest addition was blessed by the AFM chaplain.
Pictures: Jonathan Borg, Video: AFM