The Labour Government has left the Armed Forces with only one operational helicopter, the PN said in a statement.

"We are entering summer and in the coming weeks the majority of Maltese and Gozitans will be frequenting and enjoying the beaches, the sea and natural sites across Malta and Gozo. This means we must be well prepared in case any incident occurs at sea or on the cliffs," the PN said.

While acknowledging that Malta's Armed Forces are made up of well-trained and well-prepared individuals capable of responding to any rescue challenge, the PN said it "cannot help but express its concern at how the Government is failing to understand the urgent need to invest seriously in the necessary equipment to ensure that these dedicated individuals can perform their duties."

"A clear example of this is the situation within the Armed Forces' helicopter fleet, with only one out of a total of five helicopters currently operational."

Following information received by the PN about the condition of the Army's helicopters, "we now also have official confirmation from the Minister responsible for Home Affairs, Byron Camilleri himself, who had to admit in Parliament that the Armed Forces currently have only one usable helicopter out of a fleet of five."

While the PN understands the need for maintenance, "it cannot comprehend how a lack of planning has led the Army to this point, with soldiers, technicians, rescue swimmers, and army pilots unable to carry out their work properly due to the Government's incompetence."

This is the current status of the Maltese Army's helicopter fleet: Augusta Westland AW139: only one helicopter is active out of three, as the other two are not in flying condition; Alouette III: neither of the two helicopters is operational, the PN said.

"Worse still, in his reply in Parliament, Minister Byron Camilleri said he was informed 'that during 2022, Airbus Helicopters informed all Alouette III operators that it was withdrawing the remaining certificates for this type'. In light of this, the PN asks how the same Alouette III helicopters were allowed to continue flying, to the point that two very serious incidents occurred - on 7 March 2024 and 28 July 2024 - where fortunately no one was injured."

"Minister Byron Camilleri must answer why no new investment plan exists for the helicopter fleet, a plan which should have been triggered the moment Airbus Helicopters announced the withdrawal of certificates."

The PN urged the Government to clarify this urgently, "because it could mean that soldiers, technicians, rescue swimmers and pilots within our Armed Forces were put at risk due to the Government's failure to invest in the Forces, and with our soldiers handling equipment unfit for service."

The PN said it salutes and thanks the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Malta "who are doing all they can, despite the Government's lack of investment in the equipment they need to do their job."

"This is the result of having a Government that paints investment in our defence as 'investment in war'. On the contrary, the PN believes in investing in the safety of the Maltese people and in the members of the Armed Forces of Malta, so they are prepared for whatever might occur. If an incident were to happen at sea, on the cliffs or anywhere else requiring the use of the Army's helicopters, our soldiers must have the resources they need to respond."

Government statement

The Home Affairs Ministry, in reaction, said that "It's a pity that the Opposition, even from the fact that the army's helicopters undergo maintenance as scheduled and according to very strict regulations, wants to make political capital out of it."

"As has already been explained, these are procedures that prioritize the safety of the crew and also the sustainability of the army's assets. To suggest that this maintenance is able to not take place, or that it is a shortcoming because it takes place, is nothing but irresponsible opportunism."

"The government can learn little to nothing from those who left workers in the worst conditions - conditions which this government has improved time and again, including in recent days when another sectoral agreement was signed that gave even stronger conditions to the soldiers. Conditions that are complemented by many other investments in the army," the ministry said.