The AFM have received 19 new vehicles, bought through local funds, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said this afternoon. 

The 19 vehicles include 8 DAF trucks, 7 land rovers and 4 military transport vehicles.

Minister Abela explained that the vehicles form part of government's aim to modernise the military, and said they will be used during the Valletta Summit and CHOGM later this year. €650,000 was spent to purchase them, and they arrived on the island between June and September, after the orders were made earlier this year. He said this is the largest amount of vehicles brought in at one time.

The Minister spoke of further investment utilising local funds, including in new uniforms and bullet-proof vests. He mentioned that EU funds are also being used for other improvements.

During a question and answer session afterwards, asked about the recent court decision granting the Ombudsman the authority to investigate complaints by army officers, Minister Abela said that from a legal aspect, he will review the decision. "There are around 20 days or so to decide whether we will appeal, and depending on the legal advice we receive, we will be able to decide on what steps to take.