The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) Maritime Squadron accumulated more than 10,000 operational hours at sea during 2025, carrying out hundreds of patrols, inspections and boardings, law enforcement operations, assistance to vessels and interventions related to irregular migration. These figures underline the Maritime Squadron’s vital role in safeguarding Malta’s national security and protecting the country’s maritime borders.
These operational achievements were highlighted during a visit by the Minister for Home Affairs and Security, Glenn Bedingfield, to the Maritime Squadron’s headquarters at Hay Wharf, Floriana. During the visit, the Minister met officers and service personnel and was briefed on the Squadron’s organisation, capabilities and operational responsibilities.
Minister Bedingfield toured the offshore patrol vessel P61, where he was briefed on its operational capabilities and the vital role it plays in maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and the protection of Malta’s maritime security. He also visited the Maritime Squadron’s engineering workshops, where he met the personnel responsible for maintaining and providing technical support to the fleet—an essential function that ensures the Squadron’s vessels remain operational and ready for deployment at all times.
The Minister was also given an overview of the Maritime Squadron’s broad responsibilities, which include safeguarding the integrity of Malta’s territorial waters, conducting search and rescue operations, combating smuggling, illegal trafficking and other criminal activities at sea, as well as providing support to the Malta Police Force and other national authorities in carrying out their duties.
Addressing members of the Maritime Squadron, Minister Bedingfield thanked them for their unwavering commitment, professionalism and dedication.
“The Maritime Squadron is at the forefront of safeguarding Malta’s security and protecting our maritime borders. Whether carrying out patrols, saving lives at sea, combating criminal activity or supporting other national authorities, your work is essential to our country’s safety. The Government remains committed to investing in the Armed Forces of Malta, ensuring that our service personnel have the resources, equipment and training required to meet today’s evolving security challenges and continue delivering this invaluable service to the Maltese people,” said Minister Bedingfield.